Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

General

Posted on:

No drinking water will be available on James Island State Park until further notice. 

 

A view looking down from a cliff along the water. There are tall trees on the cliff and the water below is dark blue.
A mossy green trail stretches up a small hill and tall trees are in the distance
A boat is anchored off the coast of James Island and the green mountains of a nearby island are in the distance.
Looking down the dock at James Island. There are boats moored on either side. It is sunny and there are green islands in the distance.
View of rugged cliffs along the James Island shoreline on a sunny day. The water is clear and you can see the pebbly floor beneath it.

James Island Marine State Park

Blakely Island, WA 98222

While much of James Island Marine State Park is designated a Natural Forest Area and is closed to public access, there is plenty of open territory to explore on this water access-only island. Enjoy the emerald coves, forested trails, spectacular views and an isthmus with two white sand beaches.

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Boat-in Only

There is no potable water or garbage on the island. Be prepared to pack out what you pack in.

Only accessible by boat

No boats more than 45-feet are permitted on buoys. Please observe rafting limits posted on each buoy.

All boaters must self-register and pay required fees upon arrival. Boaters must pay for boats rafted to another boat and observe rafting length limits posted on each buoy. Dinghies cannot be used to reserve moorage space on the dock or at buoys. 

Trail safety

When hiking with children, please be aware of fall hazards around tall rocky banks and cliffs. Be aware that the surrounding waters are deep and swift.

Fishing and shellfish harvesting

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

Boating

Camping

Crabbing

Fishing

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

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Kayaking

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Paddleboarding

Scuba Diving

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Shellfishing

Winter Camping

Amenities

Restrooms

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Buoys

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Dock

Moorage

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Park features

Forest

Island

Ocean Beach

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Sandy Beach

Viewpoint

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Boat-in Only

There is no potable water or garbage on the island. Be prepared to pack out what you pack in.

Only accessible by boat

No boats more than 45-feet are permitted on buoys. Please observe rafting limits posted on each buoy.

All boaters must self-register and pay required fees upon arrival. Boaters must pay for boats rafted to another boat and observe rafting length limits posted on each buoy. Dinghies cannot be used to reserve moorage space on the dock or at buoys. 

Trail safety

When hiking with children, please be aware of fall hazards around tall rocky banks and cliffs. Be aware that the surrounding waters are deep and swift.

Fishing and shellfish harvesting

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Map & visitor guide

48.51224518, -122.7751312

Camping

James Island is an ideal retreat with 13 primitive campsites available first-come, first-served.

The "East Cove" campground (sites 1-4) has access to a pit toilet, bulletin board and a pay station. A hiking trail leads southwest to the campsites on the West Cove.

The "Saddle Area" campsites (sites 5-10) has access to a picnic shelter and two picnic sites, composting toilet facilities, a pay station and moorage dock. The park's loop trail system also starts and ends at this campground. 

The West Cove campsites (sites 11-13) have a pit toilet. These sites are reserved for those arriving by human or wind-powered boats. They are part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. 

Moorage

Moorage is available on both sides of the island and all docks and mooring buoys remain in place year-round.

The West Cove has a 256-foot dock (128 feet on each side).

The East Cove has four buoys with phone-in registration available. Buoys are limited to boats no larger than 45 feet. Please note: Moorage in the East Cove is exposed to wakes from boat traffic in the Rosario Strait. 

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Water activities and beach access

Water activities include boating, clamming, oyster harvesting, and diving and fishing in salt water. Salmon and bottom fishing is especially good in the waters adjacent to James Island State Park.

Additional Information

The nearest fuel and groceries are available in Anacortes.