All the boat ramps to the San Juans are right here

   Taking your boat for a camping vacation cruise isn't expensive or difficult if you know the places to go and what to do.

 If you're going to camp aboard I recommend that you start out in Bellingham, all places to travel are close by. If you need a campground for your home base I would reserve a site at Washington Park in Anacortes

Listed best to last       Oak Harbor is ranked last simply because they are farther away.

Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham 

  unlimited free parking, fresh water rinse hoses, guest docks, restaurants (you will be glad you came here)

Cornet Bay at Deception Pass

  -  lots of pay to park, guest docks, nice place and float to hang out.

La Conner (south end Swinomish Channel)

 city ramp, float, on street parking, cheap fees, guest docks.

Washington Park in Anacortes 

limited pay parking, double ramps with float but open to swell and waves from Guemes Channel,  no guest docks,  very nice on site campground, easy bike ride or hike to ferry.

Twin Bridges (north end Swinomish Channel)

 County ramp, limited pay parking, small float that's dry at low tide, security risk area  NOTE: It's just a little further to La Conner and well worth it!

Oak Harbor 

 free ramp, $2/day parking, guest docks nearby, full marina services nearby, long walk to town!

Cap Sante in Anacortes 

is not listed because they have a sling, not a ramp, Cap Sante would be second choice if you want to sling your boat in. Guest docks and big RV or trailer pay parking lot. (you can spend a lot of bucks here)

Hauling your rig on a ferry

 is not going to work out unless you have pre arranged a resort with a suitable ramp. A small skiff you can launch from the beach at a campground might be an exception.

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For first timers, see articles titled  "San Juan Islands for First Timers"
>>First Timers <<  click back there.