Historical Parks

American Camp

PHOTO BY MONICA BENNETT

American Camp is located on the southern tip of San Juan Island. Take a 15 minute drive via Cattle Point Road from the Town of Friday Harbor and you will reach American Camp. In the summer of 1859, the “Pig War” was initiated after an American Settler shot a British pig on the Island that both nations claimed. The “Pig War” is referring to the 12 year long peaceful standoff between American and British soldiers and settlers. The American Army and the British Royal Navy jointly lived on San Juan Island in the mid-1800s. American soldiers lived at Camp San Juan Island, today known as American Camp, from July 1859 through November 1874.

As of Spring 2021, a new facility that has been under construction is now complete to greet visitors with state of the art exhibits, books, and guides to island history and wildlife. Ranger programs are available during the main visitor season from June to September. Ranger-led nature and history walks will be taking place on weekends from June through August of 2021. At American Camp, you will find some historical points of interest, including a fortress and lookout called the Redoubt, a small artifact museum, and historic buildings.

Continue through American Camp and you will notice several miles of trails that will take you through grassy prairies scattered with rocky outcrops. Walk down to South Beach, the longest public beach in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy the fantastic views from South Beach over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains. Find other trails that will lead you up the 285-foot Mount Finlayson with views of Cattle Point Lighthouse. From Mount Finlayson follow the trail down to Jake’s Lagoon and Fourth of July Beach. American Camp holds residence of more than 200 species of migratory birds, and is home to a nesting pair of bald eagles, an abundance of red foxes, orcas, and other marine mammals that are frequent visitors to the waters off South Beach.

English Camp

PHOTO BY MICHELE MAYER

English Camp is located about 15 minutes, or 9 miles, from the Town of Friday Harbor via Beaverton Valley Road, then West Valley Road. You will find the well signed entrance to English Camp on your left after passing Yacht Haven Road. If you are coming from Roche Harbor on the North end of the island, English Camp is only 5 miles away, or around 7 minutes, via Roche Harbor Road and West Valley Road. Although this land is technically a National Park, no permits are required to park here when visiting. There is a bike rack, bathrooms, and parking for approximately 25 cars. Dogs are allowed to join you if kept on a leash.

On June 15, 1859, the “Pig War” was initiated, which led to a peaceful 12-year joint British and United States occupation of San Juan Island while the two nations argued over who owned the San Juans. At the north end of the Island, the Royal Marines lived at the English Camp. Today, a few buildings, a formal garden, and a cemetery remain at the English Camp grounds.

This beautiful day-use park on the shores of Garrison Bay includes a small, seasonal visitors’ center, providing information on the history and wildlife of English Camp. Explore the trails that range from a fairly strenuous hike up Young Hill to the cemetery and beyond to an easy 45-minute loop through woodland and along the bay. On Saturdays from June through August, park rangers and volunteers recreate some of the skills of military and civilian life during the island’s early pioneer period. For an entire weekend in July, the park hosts a reenactment of life in the mid-19th-century camp.

Information sourced from National Parks Service (nps.gov) and the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau (visitsanjuans.com)