Is Spencer Spit State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Spencer Spit State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Spencer Spit State Park before I book?

Yes! Spencer Spit State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Spencer Spit State Park?

Spencer Spit State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Spencer Spit State Park have?

Spencer Spit State Park has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spencer Spit State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spencer Spit State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Spencer Spit State Park?

Spencer Spit State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spencer Spit State Park?

Popular activities at Spencer Spit State Park include Hiking, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spencer Spit State Park

4.47

73 reviews

Top 12% in WASpring

Scenic Views

Featured in:Boating Camping Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

187 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Washington State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

187 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Washington State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Spencer Spit State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Spencer Spit State Park

48.5324, -122.8662

Nearby supplies

Lopez Village / Lopez Island (limited services and few restaurants)

Weather at Spencer Spit State Park

Best Time to Camp at Spencer Spit State Park

Summer brings the most reliable weather. Mid-60s to low-70s by afternoon, evenings in the 50s, and calmer seas make kayaking, beach walks, and tidepooling easiest. July and August see the heaviest use. Forest sites stay cool even on warm days. Beach sites catch steady wind, which keeps bugs down but can feel relentless. Spring trails turn muddy after rain. Lopez Island runs on ferry time, so build schedule slack and bring groceries. Island services are sparse.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Most reliable weather, calm seas and peak access for kayaking, tidepooling and beach use.

Planning Tips

About Spencer Spit State Park

Spencer Spit State Park sits on Lopez Island's eastern shore, where a long sand-and-gravel spit curves into Lopez Sound. The park's 50 campsites split between upland forest and shoreline, giving campers a choice between Douglas-fir shade or beach access. Reservations book far in advance, especially July through August.

Spencer Spit offers a mix of drive-in tent and RV campsites in forested uplands plus several marine/beach-front sites on the spit; group sites are also mentioned by visitors.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable weather. Mid-60s to low-70s by afternoon, evenings in the 50s, and calmer seas make kayaking, beach walks, and tidepooling easiest. July and August see the heaviest use. Forest sites stay cool even on warm days. Beach sites catch steady wind, which keeps bugs down but can feel relentless. Spring trails turn muddy after rain. Lopez Island runs on ferry time, so build schedule slack and bring groceries. Island services are sparse.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's signature feature is the spit itself, a graceful finger of sand and gravel that juts into Lopez Sound and shelters calm, shallow tidal flats. At low tide, the flats expose good clam digging and tidepooling. Driftwood logs pile along the high-tide line. The protected waters draw seals, shorebirds, waterfowl, and occasional orcas. Upland sites sit in a cool Douglas-fir forest that muffles sound and holds privacy between sites. The contrast is stark: open marine horizons and steady breezes below, quiet evergreen shelter above.

Geological RegionSan Juan Islands (Lopez Island)

Scenic ViewsOpen, expansive water views from the spit and beachfront campsites include nearby islands and passing ferries; many visitors note beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Upland forest sites offer filtered or limited water views but more privacy and seclusion.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites50 campsites

Best CampsitesUpland forest sites offer the most space, privacy, and level tent spots. Beach sites, including #46, sit directly on the water with expansive sound views but sacrifice privacy and shelter. Beach campers trade flat ground and wind protection for unobstructed sunsets and seal-watching from the tent door.

Need help booking Spencer Spit State Park?

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GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Spencer Spit combines forested upland campsites with a long sand/gravel spit and beach; basic potable water and toilet facilities are available but there are no showers. Visitors report beach fire pits on the spit but also occasional restrictions on campfires, and raccoons are noted around food/trash if not secured.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The park supports a mix of beach, marine, and forest activities: walking the spit, beachcombing, kayaking and other paddling, bird and marine wildlife viewing, biking on nearby roads/trails, and short hikes that connect campsites to the shore.

Hiking

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons and other wildlife can be attracted to food or trash; campers report wasps in some visits and muddy conditions in the shoulder season. Kayakers should be aware of currents around the spit and general marine hazards; beachfront sites may be exposed to wind and tide-related conditions.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

73 reviews

Recommended

Spencer Spit State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise Spencer Spit for its scenic spit and beaches, quiet and peaceful atmosphere, well-spaced campsites, good wildlife viewing (seals, birds, occasional whales), and opportunities for kayaking and beach activities. Reviews repeatedly note clean facilities and a family-friendly vibe.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Long sand/gravel spit with broad marine views; large, level campsites (especially upland sites) that feel private; excellent kayaking and birdwatching; easy beach access, clam digging and tidepool...

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

The most consistent complaint is the **lack of showers**, with several reviewers noting that only flush toilets and sinks are available.[1][2] Some campers find certain sites, especially beach or...

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring supplies and groceries (island services are limited), reserve early (sites book well in advance), pack for wind on beach sites or choose upland forest sites for more privacy and shelter, secure...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Very beautiful and quiet place... There are no showers so bring your own portable shower.” — Google review. “The campsites are huge and level... There's a nearby potable water and a pit toilet....

Based on 73 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Kayakers, beachcombers, and families who can snag an upland site early will get the most out of this place, private forested campsites, easy spit access, clamming at low tide, and real chances at seal and orca sightings from shore.

Skip if

No showers at all, and that's the loudest complaint in the reviews. Tack on a ferry schedule you can't control, thin island services, and beach sites that can feel relentless on a windy afternoon, this trip requires planning and self-sufficiency.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Janes Island State Park

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Janes Island State Park sits on Maryland's Eastern Shore, offering 116 campsites split between tent and primitive options. The park draws a 4.8/5 rating from campers who praise its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Accessible areas include trails, boat launches, and waterfront picnic spots.