Recent weather events have impacted or closed several parks, Sno-Parks and trails. Please "know before you go!" Check park alerts, road conditions and weather reports before visiting.
Burn Ban - Level 1
Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.
General
Posted on:
Drinking water is not available on James Island Marine State Park.
James Island Marine State Park
Blakely Island, WA 98222
While much of James Island Marine State Park is closed to public access to protect critical habitat, there is plenty 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
No potable water or garbage is available on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Read our blog to learn more about the LNT principles.
Moorage rules
Boats longer than 45 feet are not permitted on the buoys. Please observe rafting limits posted on each buoy. Dinghies cannot be used to reserve moorage space on the dock or at buoys.
All boats, including boats rafted to another boat, must self-register and pay moorage fees upon arrival. Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available.
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
Hiking Trails
Park features
Forest
Island
Rocky Beach
Saltwater
Sandy Beach
Viewpoint
Wildlife Viewing
Rules
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Boat-in Only
No potable water or garbage is available on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Read our blog to learn more about the LNT principles.
Moorage rules
Boats longer than 45 feet are not permitted on the buoys. Please observe rafting limits posted on each buoy. Dinghies cannot be used to reserve moorage space on the dock or at buoys.
All boats, including boats rafted to another boat, must self-register and pay moorage fees upon arrival. Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available.
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) have 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 and are part of the Cascadia Marine Trail.
Moorage
Moorage is available on both sides of the island. Docks and mooring buoys remain in place year-round.
The West Cove has a 128-foot dock. The East Cove has four buoys with phone-in registration available. Please note that moorage in the East Cove is exposed to wakes from boat traffic in the Rosario Strait.
Winter Schedule
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
Water activities and beach access
Water activities include boating, clamming, oyster harvesting, diving saltwater fishing. Salmon and bottom fishing is especially good in the waters adjacent to James Island.
Additional information
The nearest fuel and groceries are available in Anacortes.
Park History