Blake Island State Park

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Best Time to Camp at Blake Island State Park

Summer delivers the warmest, calmest conditions for island camping. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and long daylight for paddling and beachcombing. Water activities peak July through August, when the camp store and pay showers run most reliably. Weekends book solid and moorage crowds the docks, so arrive on weekdays if you want elbow room. Off-season the island stays open, but services scale back or close entirely. Bring extra water and plan to be self-sufficient. Trails get muddy fast after Pacific Northwest rain.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Best season for paddling, beaches and warmest water; many positive summer reviews implied.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Mild spring weather and trails reopen, though conditions can be muddy after rains.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Mild marine climate but trails get muddy and weather becomes cooler and wetter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Wet, muddy Pacific Northwest winters reduce comfort; island remains accessible but chillier.

About Blake Island State Park

Blake Island State Park sits a few miles offshore in Puget Sound, accessible only by private boat or water taxi from Seattle. The 77 tent sites spread across marina-area spots with showers and a small camp store, plus more secluded Cascadia Marine Trail sites along the west shoreline. Expect forested trails, pebbled beaches, and views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline. Budget extra time on busy summer weekends when moorage fills early.

Shoreline and Cascadia Marine Trail campsites (beachfront tent sites and paddler sites) with nearby marina/moorage for boaters; no road access — island visited by private boat, kayak or passenger cruises.

Historical Significance

The island hosts Tillicum Village, a recreated longhouse that offers traditional Coast Salish dance performances and salmon dinners through organized excursions. Oral-history displays and cultural programming appear throughout the park.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest, calmest conditions for island camping. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and long daylight for paddling and beachcombing. Water activities peak July through August, when the camp store and pay showers run most reliably. Weekends book solid and moorage crowds the docks, so arrive on weekdays if you want elbow room. Off-season the island stays open, but services scale back or close entirely. Bring extra water and plan to be self-sufficient. Trails get muddy fast after Pacific Northwest rain.

Natural Features and ScenerySecond-growth coastal forest covers the island's interior, crisscrossed by interconnecting trails that turn muddy after rain. Sandy coves and pebbled beaches ring the shoreline, scattered with driftwood and tidepools. Several beachfront sites put you right on the water. Waves lapping at night, deer wandering through camp at dawn, bald eagles overhead. West-side sites face the Olympics and catch the best sunsets. The entire island sits at just 49 feet elevation, so terrain stays gentle.

Geological RegionPuget Sound (forested marine island)

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Reviews

All Reviews84Booking Sources84Outdoorithm Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

84 reviews

Recommended

Blake Island State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed but consistently praise the island's scenery, trails, beaches and proximity to Seattle; commenters highlight good marina-side facilities (restrooms, pay showers, small camp store) and strong wildlife viewing. Common negatives are frequent/very bold raccoons, crowded moorage on busy days, and complaints about strict ranger enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 84 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, close-to-Seattle setting with forested trails, beach campsites and views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains; Cascadia Marine Trail and west-side shoreline campsites receive high...

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Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Strict or overbearing rangers:** Multiple TripAdvisor reviews describe rangers as overly aggressive or “harassing,” with citations for rule violations and frequent patrols at night; some campers...

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Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for moorage or mooring balls on busy days; keep food secured and boats/tents zipped (raccoons are bold); purchase shower tokens and firewood at the ranger station/camp store; expect...

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Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Views are beautiful!"; "A gem of a state park"; "I've never been treated this badly by any park ranger anywhere."

Based on 84 reviews

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