Beach Camping on Cypress Island in Washington

Are you dreaming of a camping experience where the waves lull you to sleep? If so, then Pelican Beach on Cypress Island is the place to be. Tucked away in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, this secluded spot offers an opportunity to connect with nature (and escape the hustle of everyday life). Who doesn’t want that? Read on to learn how to go beach camping on Cypress Island in Washington.

Why Pelican Beach?

Pelican Beach is one of the few designated camping areas on Cypress Island. Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, this island remains largely untouched, preserving the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The beach itself is made up of smooth pebbles, backed by lush forest. With only a handful of campsites available, it never feels crowded, making it an ideal retreat for those craving solitude.

Getting There

Cypress Island is only accessible by boat—which, let’s be honest, makes it feel even more like an adventure.

You can get to Pelican Beach by:

• Kayak – A great option if you’re up for a paddling adventure.
• Water Taxi – We booked with Island Express Charters (check their options HERE).
• Private Boat – If you have one, lucky you!

Since we don’t own a kayak or a boat, we opted for the water taxi. The process was effortless—we loaded our gear into the wagons provided by the charter, enjoyed a stunning ride over, and were dropped off right on the beach. From there, it was as simple as picking a campsite and settling in.

Parking Tip:

Near the marina, you can pay for parking or try to find free street parking nearby. We did the latter and had no trouble finding a spot.

What to Expect

Camping at Pelican Beach is a back-to-basics experience. Here’s what you need to know:

🏕️ Campsites: Primitive, first-come, first-served. A few have picnic tables and fire rings, but most are simply a patch of beach or forest.

💧 No Water: Bring all the water you’ll need—there’s none available on the island.

🚽 Toilets: A composting toilet is available, but that’s about it for amenities.

🌊 Sleeping on the Beach: You can pitch your tent right on the pebbles (which are surprisingly comfortable) or tuck into a site just off the shore, surrounded by trees for extra wind protection.

Things to do

The best part about Pelican Beach? You can make the trip as relaxing or adventurous as you want.

🌲 Hike to Eagle Cliff – A must-do. This trail leads to the highest point on Cypress Island, offering stunning panoramic views of the San Juan Islands. We packed a picnic and enjoyed lunch at the top.

🏄‍♀️ Paddleboarding – We brought ours and were so glad we did! Gliding along the coastline gave us a whole new perspective of the island. Bonus: the crystal-clear waters are full of marine life.

🐋 Wildlife Watching – Keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and—if you’re really lucky—orcas. They’re occasionally spotted in the surrounding waters.

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Views – No light pollution means some of the best sunrises and sunsets imaginable. I always make myself roll out of my sleeping bag (even just enough to peek outside the tent) to catch the colors on the horizon.

✨ Stargazing – Once the sun sets, the night sky explodes with stars. Bring a blanket, lay back, and soak it in.

🎲 Relax & Unplug – Play cards, tell stories, or just listen to the waves. Sometimes, the best part of camping is simply being together.

Tips for a Successful Trip for beach camping on Cypress Island

Plan Ahead – Pelican Beach is popular in summer, and sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for the best spot.

Pack Smart – Bring:

• Plenty of water (no fresh water on the island!)
• Dry bags to keep gear protected – These are my FAVORITE!
• Layers—nights can be chilly
• Good sleeping pads if camping on pebbles – Gear Doctors Ultralight 17oz Apollo-Air Sleeping pad

Check the Weather – The San Juans can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast and marine conditions before heading out.

Respect the Wildlife – Cypress Island is home to incredible animals like bald eagles and harbor seals. Keep your distance and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Packing Like a Pro – It’s not backpacking, but the packing strategy is similar! For more packing tips, check out THIS ARTICLE.

The Experience

We lucked out with perfect weather, a private little campsite, and amazing company. The kids spent hours on the paddleboards, while some of us braved a swim in the chilly water. We hiked to Eagle Cliff, explored the beaches, played cards, cooked up delicious meals, and just enjoyed being outside together.

Camping at Pelican Beach hits the sweet spot for all ages. It’s an adventure that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum magic. And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed—just a simple escape under the stars.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Have you been to Cypress Island or camped on Pelican Beach? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience!