Find a San Juan island minutes from Anacortes – travel to Burrows Island, made of the same rock as the greater archipelago. Protected by Burrows and Allan Pass, the campsite looks at the populated eastern shore of Anacortes. Boat around to outer Burrows Island to view the lighthouse and look westward over Rosario Strait to the major portion of the San Juans. Area to the north and south are private.
Site Steward: Eric Bell
Location: Site is on Alice Bight, eastern side of the northernmost island in Burrows Bay.
Hazards: There are fast currents and tide rips in both Burrows and Allan Passes. Heavy boat traffic in and out of Anacorte's Skyline Marina.
Sites: 3
Water: None
Sanitation: Vault toilet
Overflow: None
Fires: Fire rings available, when a burn ban is not in effect
Extras:
Fees: $12/night for up to 8 in site
Special Considerations: Private property south of campsite. No hiking trails on island; use your boat to explore.
Natural History: Washington State Parks has increased its holdings on the island to protect more pristine San Juan Island habitat. Respect the land and don't hike away from the campsite. There is abundant sea life clinging to the cliffs and swimming nearby.
Max People:
Max Nights:
Reservations:
Latitude: 48.48158
Longitude: -122.68971
3 thoughts on “Burrows Island”
From Susan:
The guidebook (page 91) states adjacent campsite Deception Pass SP as 6.7 NM away. My GPS shows 5.6 NM
Camped on Burrows 4/4/26. The path up from the beach needs some love. (some boulders there now, but kind of tricky footing). Lots of small downed branches but overall the campsites look great.
Camped on Burrows 4/4/26 – Meant to leave this in my previous comment..lots of wildflowers blooming on the bluff south of the lighthouse. The trail up to the top is rough and steep but you can follow orange flagging and make your way to some great views. (go to the bluffs and head west until you see a small path in the woods).
I saw about 10 Orcas just off the lighthouse while paddling.