stuart island state park

we are on 3 day paddle to the park with Outdoor Odysey, a dynamite company which we will review shortly - our camp sites were on the shore of the harbor, a big plus - the hiking in the park is outstanding and wll within our abilities - good water supply and the basics you need - more would have spoiled the camping experience.

Really enjoyed walking out to the lighthouse from where we docked our boat. Hoping to see Whales because the views are amazing! Brought ourselves a picnic and enjoyed it while looking for whales. Possible the cutest outhouse ever!

We choose a campsite overlooking the small harbor. it was nice to see all the sailboats in the moonlight. The hiking to the other side to the lighthouse was a fairly easy walk.

Campsites were level, well maintained, close to the water. No mosquitos. Raccoons were a bit of an issue in the evenings, just keep your food locked down and you'll be ok.

Camped here while on a kayaking trip. Overall, the campsite was nice and the toilets were clean (but smelly - to be expected of an out house). There are a couple short trails in the park, and you can take the road from the park to the light house on the other end of the island. Boaters do get a little noisy at times, but that wasn't too bad.

We love anchoring our sailboat at Stuart Island and then taking the dingy ashore for on-land enjoyment. The park is always neat and tidy. Love that the toilets have antiseptic gel for hand washing. The hiking paths are all clearly marked. I always forget that it's a grueling 3-mile hike to the Lighthouse. Grueling for me, perhaps not for everyone. On this visit we met some people that told us about an easier and flatter path to take. We did so on our return hike. It shaved off a good 20 minutes of time and only had a few hilly parts. It's not marked, but I can tell you that it's near the area where locals sell t-shirts and such. Look for it!

we camped here 2 nights on the hill between the 2 marinas. the folks on boats were up late drinking and singing and laughing half the night. the pit toilets smell AWFUL, every last one of them. the hike to the old lighthouse is nice and offers good views.

Strange that Tripadvisor places this attraction under "Friday Harbor". Stuart Island is it's own island as the name implies--not on San Juan Island.Stuart Island is accessed exclusively by boat (I suppose you could charter a light plane...). Anyway, we stopped overnight during our chartered boating week in the San Juans. Found this and Sucia Island the best of the state parks. Highlight of this island is the ~2.5 mile walk (each way) to Turning Point Light Station. The Light Station (not a lighthouse) is lovingly preserved and presented by a non-profit. Great whale watching spot. Very nice, tiny museum. And....truly the best primitive bathroom you'll encounter--spotless, nice flooring, couple plants, coat hooks, no smell or mess. OK, not a reason to visit, yet a reflection of how well the place is maintained. The hike there includes about three fair hills that most can handle, although our elderly parents opted out of the hills.Be sure to check out the school house along the hike. Features an honor system t-shirt concession that is very local and endearing. Island itself is for the truly self sufficient. Each resident generates their own power, water, and other utilities. No regular ferry service, so most grow their own food. State park has all the appropriate boating and camping facilities.We enjoyed the remoteness and minimal others there, even during peak season.

Spend 2 nights in Reid harbor campground on a guided kayak tour. Campgrounds are clean and free from litter. There are water spigots in a few place on the island (like campgrounds) that contain really good drinking water. The composting toilets get a lot of traffic, but were regularly cleaned when we were there. Toilets are well stocked with TP and hand sanitizer.The hike to the old schoolhouse, cemetery, and to the lighthouse (2.2 miles) is well worth it. On the day we visited, the "J-pod" consisting of 25 orcas, swam by the shore of the lighthouse. Deer are everywhere, and pay no attention to visitors.There are other hikes on the island as well, including a loop over to the East side of the island to another harbor. For boaters, Reid offers good protection from the elements, and is well worth the visit.

We visited Reid Harbor on Stuart Island overnight on our cruising sailboat. This is one of our favorite stops in crusing the San Juans. The hikes on land are challenging enough to really use some energy. The trail out to the lighthouse is a good several mile walk, and back to the harbors. A stop at the school house museum is well worth the time. There are several "treasure chests" with t-shirts and local note cards for sale. Enjoy yourself in this special setting!

The trail to the lighthouse was perfect for a day trip and there weren't many visitors at the dock. It was like we had the place to ourselves. Clean outhouses.

They charge $10 to park but what do they use the money for? The toilet is just a pit (no urinals) and there is nothing to clean your hands with. There is a good view of the sound and maybe some Orcas.

This place is such a jewel I'm reluctant to review it because it may become over run with visitors. Anchor your boat in Reid harbor or kayak in to the campsites. Hike the trail to the light house, visiting the school, or just poke around the park. You will never forget the natural beauty.