Looking for an island camping park you can get to by car? Spencer Spit, on Lopez Island, may be just what you had in mind.

One of the few auto-access state parks in the San Juan Islands, Spencer Spit provides dramatic, east-facing views of Decatur and Blakely islands and features a rare sand spit enclosed by a salt-chuck lagoon.

The park offers crabbing, clamming, saltwater fishing, swimming, diving, bird and wildlife viewing and 2 miles of hiking trails. Families visiting this kid-friendly park between July 5 and Labor Day can enjoy a Junior Ranger interpretive program. The park, which is on the Cascadia Marine Trail, caters to boaters off all kinds. Amenities include kayak rentals and moorage for those who prefer to sleep in the comfort of their vessels, as well as large private campsites and primitive sites for hikers, bikers and kayakers.

You can either go minimalist, or pack all those car or boat-camping luxuries, and head for your next island getaway at Spencer Spit State Park.

Ferry reservations: Washington State Ferries accepts reservations for the San Juan Island routes. Reservation information can be on found their website.

PARK FEATURES
Spencer Spit State Park is a 200-acre marine and camping park on Lopez Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The park has a reputation for excellent crabbing, clamming and car-top boating.