I’m sharing my review of our recent stay at Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island and why I recommend staying here, especially if you’re camping for the first time!
If you’re planning a trip to the San Juan Islands, camping is one of the best ways to save on lodging costs while experiencing nature up close. There are several campgrounds on the island, some operated by the Washington State Parks Department and others privately owned.
The government-operated campgrounds are usually the most affordable and tend to get booked very quickly. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find several resorts on the island that offer RV and tent camping sites. We found one such campground tucked between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor called Lakedale Resort.
Where is Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island?
Lakedale Resort is located at Three Lakes, a unique resort destination spanning 82 acres of lush forest. Nestled between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, the resort offers an exceptional Pacific Northwest getaway with diverse accommodation options, including glamping tents, cabins, RV sites, and campsites.
So, if you don’t want to spend time setting up a tent or building a campfire, you can choose one of their other accommodation options instead.
Recreational Activities at the Resort
The resort is huge and offers plenty of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, and scenic walking trails around the lake. Some activities are included with your stay, while others require an additional fee.
People staying at the campsites don’t have access to the main resort facilities, but honestly, that’s where the fun lies, you probably won’t even need them!
How Much Does a Campsite Cost at Lakedale Resort?
We booked a “Classic Campsite” that accommodated up to four people. It had ample space to move around, beautiful lake views, a private fire pit, and a seating area.
The campsite cost $70 per night and can be booked directly through their website.
This was a non-electric campsite, and the only place with electricity nearby was the restroom building.
What I Loved About the Resort + Tips for Future Campers
First and foremost, I loved how much there was to do without ever leaving the property. The lush trails, lakeside views, and abundance of wildlife made it a memorable experience. We spotted deer, foxes, countless bird species, and even some unique slugs. This place is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Here’s me breaking down the stay experience based on everything we did, from the check-in process to the facilities we availed. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything!
- Check-in Process – We were doing a late check-in, so the resort sent us instructions beforehand. There was a check-in desk outside the resort with envelopes organized by guest name. All we had to do was collect our envelope and head straight to our campsite. The process was smooth and hassle-free.
- Drinking Water – There were several drinking water refill stations next to the restrooms, which was very convenient. At a few campsites we’ve stayed at previously, the water came directly from nearby water sources, which made us a little skeptical about drinking it. Here, the water was properly filtered, which gave us peace of mind.
- Cell Phone Reception – Cell phone reception near the campsites was very poor. We had to walk over to the resort to access Wi-Fi, which the staff kindly shared with us, but even that was spotty. The most we could reliably do was send WhatsApp messages, anything beyond that was difficult.
- Electricity – We brought power banks with us, but it got so cold at night that all of them drained much faster than expected. The resort has charging stations, but they require payment. We ended up using the power outlets in the restroom building to charge our phones.
- Restrooms – Finally, the best part, the restrooms! They had proper flushing toilets and separate shower areas. Everything was secure, clean, and well-maintained. I always appreciate campsites with proper restrooms because the pit toilets at Mineral Lake Campground traumatized us a little. 😅
Overall Thoughts on Lakedale Resort
San Juan Island can be quite expensive, especially during the summer, when accommodations can easily cost $400 or more per night. Lakedale Resort was a fantastic alternative. It was budget-friendly, had proper restrooms and all the amenities needed for a comfortable camping trip, and allowed us to avoid carrying single-use plastic water bottles thanks to the refill stations. Plus, it was conveniently located near all the major attractions on the island.
I would definitely recommend staying here if you’re planning a camping trip to San Juan Island. And don’t forget to check out our San Juan Island video to see everything we did there, along with a tour of our campsite!
