The RVer's Guide to Anacortes, WA

Anacortes, WA is frequently overlooked as a destination by RVers planning a first-time trip to the Pacific Northwest and the San Juan Islands. Why? It may be something as simple as the "law of unintended consequences" at work.

Long ago Anacortes dubbed itself "The Gateway to the San Juan Islands" because it is the only terminus for Washington State Ferry service to the islands of Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and Friday Harbor. Unfortunately, that label obscures the fact that Anacortes is located on one of the islands in the San Juan chain, too. Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes offers everything that the RV traveler will find on the the other islands plus a much wider range of sights, services, activities, and accommodations the other islands simply do not have. Let's consider the advantages of making Anacortes, WA your destination when planning a trip to the San Juan Islands of Washington State.

RV Camping

Within 4 miles of downtown Anacortes, there are two distinctly different, deluxe RV resorts offering approximately 350 full-service RV campsites.

Fidalgo Bay Resort, located on a small peninsula of land jutting out into Fidalgo Bay, offers 148 full-service sites and a full range of amenities one expects in a deluxe RV resort including WIFI and cable TV. A few sites are beachfront, most enjoy water and mountain view, and beach access is just a short walk from any site in the park. Big rigs are welcome, as are pets. Read more about Fidalgo Bay Resort in the article "RV Camping - Anacortes, WA."

If a forested campground setting is more your cup of tea, check out Pioneer Trails RV resort. Here you'll find 153 full-hookup sites (27 are pull-through) nestled in a lush forest of tall evergreens. Amenities include waste dump, laundry, limited groceries, playground, and propane. Big rigs and pets are welcome here, too.

The Northern Lights Casino operated by the Swinomish Indian Tribe offers 35 full-hookup (16 pull-through) sites on Fidalgo Bay, just a short walk to the casino and fine dining. Beach access is limited, but most sites enjoy scenic water and mountain views. This park is pet friendly, too.

In addition to the private parks, State and City parks in or near Anacortes include Deception Pass State Park and Anacortes' Washington Park. Both are forested settings with water access.

Deception Pass State Park, located just across Deception Pass Bridge on Whidbey Island, has 143 utility sites available for RVs. Amenities include showers, restrooms, multiple dump stations, and boat launch facilities. The park has miles of hiking/walking trails, lake access for swimming, boating and fishing, as well as access to miles of saltwater coastline. Fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and scuba diving are popular activities.

Washington Park is owned and operated by the City of Anacortes. Located on the west end of Fidalgo Island near the Washington State Ferry Terminal, it's just 3 miles to downtown Anacortes. The park offers 73 RV sites with 20 amp service in a lush evergreen setting close to saltwater activities. There are laundry facilities, dump station, boat ramp and dock, beach, miles of hiking/walking trails and a large grassy park with playground for the whole family to enjoy. This park is mostly back-in with no pull-through sites and is not recommended for big rigs .

There are a number of other private and public RV campground opportunities within a 15 minute drive of Anacortes. If you experience difficulty finding a vacancy at those mentioned, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce can direct you to information on smaller, lesser-known accommodations.

Boondocking

For the fully self-contained RV traveler, there are a couple of unique boondocking opportunities, too, one in the heart of downtown Anacortes and another located on the east side of March Point just across Fidalgo Bay from the city. Again, contact the Chamber of Commerce for information and directions to these areas.

Anacortes for Food, Fun, and Services

Beyond its proximity to some beautiful camping, Anacortes is a stand-out destination in the San Juan Islands for having abundant access to:

* shopping
* dining
* parts and supplies
* medical services
* indoor and outdoor recreation

There are major 24-hour supermarkets and small convenience stores, banks and ATMs, fast food and fine dining, automotive, marine, and hardware stores, walk-in medical clinic and a top-notch hospital with emergency services. Small businesses offer whale watching cruises, kayak rentals, boat charters, and fishing charters. Anacortes has a vibrant arts community. Enjoy the many art shows and galleries, as well as the abundance of public art created by local artists that you'll find sprinkled throughout the town. There's also a bowling alley, many pubs and bars with live entertainment on the weekends, a public swimming pool and fitness facility, boat launch facilities, and several full-service marinas. The list goes on and on.

Gateway to the San Juan Islands

We've come full circle, back to the point that Anacortes serves as the hub city for continuing your travels to other islands in the San Juan chain and even on to Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island in Canada. The ferry terminal is located just 3 miles west of downtown Anacortes with multiple sailings daily to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and Friday Harbor. There is a once-daily round-trip sailing to Victoria, B.C. as well. A small county ferry makes hourly runs between Anacortes and Guemes Island. A big advantage to making Anacortes your base camp for your San Juan Islands vacation is the cost-saving in ferry fares, the time-saving convenience, and unfettered access to the entire region.

Ferry fares are steep for RVs. A 40 foot motorhome with tow vehicle can cost nearly $300 one-way between Anacortes and Orcas Island. Staying in Anacortes and making a day trip in your car costs $45 one-way. Foot travelers are charged just $11.50 per person; $5.75 with a senior discount. (Summer 2011 rates). Long waits to catch the next ferry are typical in the summer season, too. It's not uncommon to sit in line for 4 hours or more. And then, of course, leaving the outer island for daytrips to other things you want to see and do means even more time and expense.

Anacortes the Ideal RV Destination

When you start making your plans for RV travel to the San Juan Islands of Washington State, choose the Anacortes area on Fidalgo Island as your base camp. There, you'll find everything you need in campgrounds, services, recreation, and sheer scenic beauty. It truly is the ideal RV destination for your visit to the San Juans.