Obstruction Pass State Park

4.53

43 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Obstruction Pass State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A $10 parking charge is reported in visitor reviews. Specific campsite fees are not stated in the provided sources.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

243 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwaterbeach

Some mention

small

"Reviewers consistently praise Obstruction Pass for its seclusion, mossy forest walk, and a pebble beach with excellent tidepooling and clear water. Common drawbacks noted are the walk‑in access, small/uneven sites, and lack of potable water and showers."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Obstruction Pass State Park

The marine climate keeps things refreshingly cool even during summer months, with morning fog often giving way to afternoon sun—or lingering all day in true Pacific Northwest fashion. Smart campers pack layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast. Time your visit around the tide tables for the best experience: low tides transform the beach into a living laboratory of intertidal wonders, while high tides bring the water nearly to your tent door. Summer weekends fill quickly, so reserve early or consider a shoulder-season visit when you might have this gem nearly to yourself.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Obstruction Pass State Park

Tucked into the southeast corner of Orcas Island, Obstruction Pass State Park offers an intimate walk-in camping experience where moss-draped evergreens meet the Salish Sea. Just steps from your tent, a sheltered cobble beach invites exploration at low tide, while kayakers can paddle right up to select waterfront sites. This is camping at its most elemental—no frills, no crowds, just you and the rhythm of the tides.

Hike‑in, primitive coastal campsites mostly suited to tent and kayak campers; no RV or trailer access.

Weather and SeasonsThe marine climate keeps things refreshingly cool even during summer months, with morning fog often giving way to afternoon sun—or lingering all day in true Pacific Northwest fashion. Smart campers pack layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast. Time your visit around the tide tables for the best experience: low tides transform the beach into a living laboratory of intertidal wonders, while high tides bring the water nearly to your tent door. Summer weekends fill quickly, so reserve early or consider a shoulder-season visit when you might have this gem nearly to yourself.

Natural Features and SceneryStep through a cathedral of Douglas fir and western red cedar, their trunks cushioned in emerald moss, until the forest opens dramatically onto rocky bluffs and a protected cove. At low tide, the clear waters reveal a hidden world: ochre sea stars cling to barnacle-crusted rocks, anemones pulse gently in tide pools, and hermit crabs scuttle between the stones. Across the narrow channel, forested islands rise from the water, their silhouettes shifting with the light. Campers consistently describe the atmosphere here as quietly magical—a place that invites contemplation and unhurried beach combing.

Geological RegionSan Juan Islands (Orcas Island), Puget Sound

Campsite details

Total Campsites11 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small, forested coastal park with a short trail to a pebble beach; strong emphasis on tidepooling, beach exploration, kayaking, and quiet shoreline camping.

Hiking

Short forest trail from parking area to the campground (commonly reported as about 0.6 mile downhill one way) with loop routes along the shoreline and some stairs/rocky sections.

Fishing

Fishing from kayaks and nearby shore reported by visitors; marine wildlife (including orcas reported by one reviewer while fishing from a kayak) may be seen.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed
Many sites have campfire rings and picnic tables; reviewers note that collecting deadwood from the forest is not allowed but collecting driftwood is permitted. (No official written fire rule provided in the sources.)

Hazards

General hazardsTrail and site hazards include stairs, steep/uneven sections, roots and rocks on the trail, and a rocky pebble beach—care is advised, especially with small children. There is no potable water at the campground (campers must bring all drinking/cooking water). Tidal changes affect shoreline access and private property boundaries along parts of the high-tide line have been noted by visitors.

Weather at Obstruction Pass State Park

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 7.8 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsNo potable water available; primitive facilities (pit toilets only, no showers); limited number of campsites that can be small or uneven; hike‑in access (~0.6 mile) means carrying gear or using a kayak.

Campground Map

Obstruction Pass State Park

Driving directionsPark at the trailhead/parking area and follow a short forest trail (about 0.6 miles downhill) to the campground. The access road to the trailhead is a gravel road near the southeast end of Orcas Island.

Access via local Orcas Island roads; final approach is on a gravel road to a parking area, followed by a 0.6-mile walk to campsites.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

43 reviews

Top-Rated

Obstruction Pass State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Obstruction Pass for its seclusion, mossy forest walk, and a pebble beach with excellent tidepooling and clear water. Common drawbacks noted are the walk‑in access, small/uneven sites, and lack of potable water and showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, quiet coastal setting; short, scenic forest walk to the beach; excellent tidepooling (sea stars, anemones); several sites sit just above the water and some are kayak‑accessible; clean...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

• **No potable water:** the lack of any water source in the campground is the most consistent drawback mentioned; campers must haul all water from elsewhere.[1][4] • **Limited number of sites and...

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all drinking and cooking water, pack light for the ~0.6 mile hike or consider kayak access, check low tide for best tidepooling, bring sturdy shoes for the rocky beach, collect driftwood rather...

Based on 43 reviews