This jewel of an island plays host to an old farm and serene hiking trails. If you are there in the fall, bring an appetite for the apples that abound near the site. Keep your eyes peeled for the semi-tame deer which feed in the orchard clearing and near the caretaker’s house. Great view of Mt. Rainier from the steps down to the beach. Please do not camp in the group camp; see the Washington State Parks map for directions.
Washington State Parks Map and Guide to Camping
Location: Hope Island is located in the South Sound just west of Squaxin Island. The site is on the southwestern side of the island, 200 ft west of the main stairs.
Hazards: Ensure proper food storage using provided storage boxes to limit raccoon theft.
Sites: 8 in campground- 1 group site.
Water: None
Sanitation: 2 Vault toilets- one approx. 150 ft northeast of group site, 1 in campground.
Overflow: Available with park staff approval- contact staff at cabin.
Fires: No fires
Extras: A hiking trail around the island.
Fees: $12/night for up to 8 in site
Special Considerations: In the summer, a caretaker lives onsite in a cabin just NE of the toilet. Stop by for more historic information on the island, or contact in case of emergency. In the fall, you can pick up to 2 gallons, per person, per day of apples for free. Pets are not allowed on the island.
Natural History: Hope Island was named by Commander Charles Wilkes for one of his crew in 1841. Wilkes was engaged in the mission of charting Puget Sound. The sea-life in the area consists of beds of huge sea stars, sea cucumbers, shellfish, shrimp, and a variety of fish. Look for bioluminescence in the water on mid-summer nights and beach foraging raccoons.
Max People: 8 per site. Over 8 in group site.
Max Nights: 10 night limit in campsites, 3 at moorage facilities.
Reservations: No
Latitude: 47.183666
Longitude: -122.932183
3 thoughts on “Hope Island State Park”
Launched from Arcadia point on inflatable paddle boards and camped for 2 nights on Hope Island. Circumnavigated the island each day, and walked the trails.
Bring water and use the food cabinets or the raccoons will help themselves. The vault toilet was well maintained as were the walking trails.
Thanks caretaker and WWTA!
Does anyone know if the 6 campsites on Hope Island (South Sound) would be expected to be filled this Labor Day weekend? THANK YOU!
Hi Wendy, sorry for the late reply. We don’t have anything to do with bookings on Hope Island south; for this you would have to check with Washington State Parks. We one one Cascadia Marine Trail site.