View from the start of the trail
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English Camp San Juan Island National Historical Park

4.6
·430 reviews·Friday Harbor, United States

Step back in time at English Camp, a preserved 19th-century British military post on San Juan Island, famous for the Pig War.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
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View from the start of the trail

English Camp San Juan Island National Historical Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at English Camp, a preserved 19th-century British military post on San Juan Island, famous for the Pig War.

4.6
(430 reviews)

"A fun stop with kids, the Junior Ranger program and Young Hill hike are highlights!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Junior Ranger Fun! :star:

Kids love the Junior Park Ranger program; grab a guide at the visitor center!

Visitor Center Insights :bulb:

Watch the video for context; staff are friendly and helpful.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Outbuildings

Historic Outbuildings

English Camp

Explore preserved 19th-century British military structures and imagine life during the Pig War era.

Junior Park Ranger Program

Junior Park Ranger Program

Visitor Center

Engage kids with an activity guide and earn a badge, making history fun and interactive for young visitors.

Reddit
Young Hill Hike

Young Hill Hike

Trailhead near English Camp

Enjoy moderate trails with rewarding views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

Reddit
English Garden

English Garden

English Camp

A beautifully maintained garden offering a peaceful stroll amidst blooming flowers.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Choose Your Camp Wisely

English Camp and American Camp offer distinct historical experiences. For families, English Camp's Junior Ranger program is a hit. If time is limited, consider which camp's history or trails appeal most to you. Reddit

Parking and Peak Times

The parking lot at English Camp can fill up quickly during peak hours. Arriving early or later in the day can help you avoid the crowds and secure a spot. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Parking is easier, golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

FREE ULTIMATE GUIDE (14 stops) 😛⬇️ follow @george.pnw @seattle.locals and @living.inseattle for more stuff in / near Seattle 💕 SAVE THIS post for later 🫶🏻 AND send it to a friend you want to road trip with :))) san juan island in one day 🛳️🌲🐚 (a stunning day trip filled with lighthouses, alpacas, & small-town charm — part five of my trips in Washington series!) ⸻ 🗓️ DAY TRIP ITINERARY 600 - leave ...
@george.pnw
7.5K likes • 175.5K views

Junior Ranger Fun! :star:

Kids love the Junior Park Ranger program; grab a guide at the visitor center! Reddit

Visitor Center Insights :bulb:

Watch the video for context; staff are friendly and helpful. Reddit

Replying to @Jessica these are my top must-do’s for acadia national park! We spent friday-monday in the area and had plenty of time for all of this plus more! The fall leaves in Bar Harbor were to die for, and Im definitely going to be sharing our top hike recommendations as well because Beehive is just the tip of the iceburg 🌲🪨🌊🥾 #acadianationalpark #acadia #HotGirlHikes #womenwhohike #outdoorsyg...
@hotgirlhikes
7.5K likes • 172.3K views
Do yourself a favor and book a tour with Western Prince out of Friday Harbor 🗣️🗣️🗣️ #orca #killerwhale #pnw #sanjuanislands #washingtonstate
@chrismoorman1
7K likes • 36.7K views

Hike to Young Hill :mountain_climbing:

Moderate hike with stunning views, a must-do for many visitors. Reddit

Parking Patience :car:

Lot fills up fast; arrive early or late to secure a spot. Reddit

Special thanks to our passenger Jillie for the video! We had an amazing encounter with the T65B and T101 matrilines of Bigg’s Killer Whales today! They even went all the way into Friday Harbor, and just before we left, they gave us quite a show! For your chance to see wild orcas in their natural habitat, go to Outerislandx.com and use code “ORCATOK” for 20% off your ticket! #whales #whalewatching ...
@outerislandexcursions
6K likes • 49K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Junior Ranger Fun! :star:

Kids love the Junior Park Ranger program; grab a guide at the visitor center! Reddit

Visitor Center Insights :bulb:

Watch the video for context; staff are friendly and helpful. Reddit

Hike to Young Hill :mountain_climbing:

Moderate hike with stunning views, a must-do for many visitors. Reddit

Parking Patience :car:

Lot fills up fast; arrive early or late to secure a spot. Reddit

Explore the Garden :seedling:

Don't miss the charming and well-kept English garden. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(430 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find English Camp a charming and educational stop, particularly praising the Junior Park Ranger program for kids and the scenic Young Hill hike. While some note the visitor center and signage are minimal compared to American Camp, the well-maintained garden and informative park rangers are consistently highlighted as positives. Reddit

"Went to the English Camp in August and it was a fun stop along our trip. The video in the visitor center is worth the watch to learn about the camp and the area.

We had kids with us, and what made the English Camp fun for them was taking part in the Junior Park Ranger program. We asked for the activity guide, completed it while we explored the park, and then the kids pledged to keep parks safe which earned them a park ranger badge."

Kamry White

"This review is for the hike up to Young Hill, not the visitor center. Beautiful views toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. Moderate hike with a brief steep section."

marc smith

"The Pig War has to be one of the most hilarious historical events I’ve ever read about. We weren’t able to visit the opposing “American Camp” but will definitely do so next time.

The lady working at the Visitor Center was so kind and went out of her way to outline a path for us to take a stroll.

Thank you English Camp for making our Saturday at Friday Harbor!"

Moumin Gani

What People Like

Junior Ranger program
Young Hill hike views
Historic buildings

What People Dislike

Minimal signage
Visitor center size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

English Camp is located on the northwest side of San Juan Island. You can drive there via Roche Harbor Road. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Reddit

San Juan Transit operates a bus service on San Juan Island, which may have routes that can get you close to English Camp. Check their schedule for current routes and times. Reddit

Yes, biking is a popular way to explore San Juan Island. The roads are generally well-maintained, but be aware of vehicle traffic. Reddit

English Camp was the site of the British military garrison during the Pig War, featuring historic buildings and trails. American Camp was the U.S. Army's post and offers different historical exhibits and landscapes. Many visitors find English Camp more engaging for children. Reddit

While some areas around the visitor center and historic buildings are relatively flat, many trails, including the hike to Young Hill, are uneven and may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

English Camp is part of San Juan Island National Historical Park, which generally has no entrance fee. However, check the official National Park Service website for any potential changes or special event fees. Reddit

The grounds of English Camp are typically open year-round during daylight hours. The visitor center has seasonal hours, so it's best to check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, you can get your National Park Passport stamped at the visitor center at English Camp. This is a popular activity for kids and collectors. Reddit

While formal guided tours may vary, park rangers are often available at the visitor center to provide information and suggest self-guided exploration routes. Reddit

You can spend anywhere from 1-3 hours at English Camp, depending on whether you explore the historic buildings, hike Young Hill, or participate in the Junior Ranger program. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can explore historic outbuildings, learn about the Pig War at the visitor center, enjoy the English garden, and hike the trails, including the scenic Young Hill trail. The Junior Park Ranger program is also a highlight for families. Reddit

The Junior Park Ranger program involves completing an activity guide that teaches about the park's history and natural environment. Upon completion, kids take a pledge and receive a badge. Reddit

Yes, the hike up Young Hill is a popular moderate trail offering beautiful views. There are also shorter, flatter paths around the historic camp area. Reddit

You might see various bird species, deer, and marine life in the surrounding waters. Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. Reddit

Cell service can be spotty within the park. It's advisable to download any necessary maps or information beforehand. There is typically no public Wi-Fi. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food services or restaurants directly within English Camp. You'll need to bring your own picnic or plan to eat in Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are scenic spots where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by history and nature. Remember to pack out all your trash. Reddit

The nearest dining options are in Friday Harbor, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Roche Harbor also has dining facilities. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic buildings, the English garden, and the scenic overlooks from the Young Hill hike offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Strait of Juan de Fuca provides a beautiful backdrop. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. Reddit

As part of a National Historical Park, drone usage is typically restricted. Always check the official NPS regulations for San Juan Island National Historical Park regarding drone operation before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

English Camp is a fantastic destination for families. The Junior Park Ranger program is a major draw, offering an interactive way for children to learn about the park's history and earn a badge. Reddit The relatively flat paths around the historic buildings are good for younger children, and the hike to Young Hill offers a rewarding challenge for older kids. Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site. Reddit

🚶 History Buffs

For those fascinated by 19th-century military history and border disputes, English Camp is a must-visit. The preserved historic outbuildings offer a tangible connection to the Pig War era. Reddit The visitor center provides crucial context, and exploring the grounds allows for a deeper understanding of the British presence on San Juan Island. Comparing it with American Camp can offer a fuller picture of the historical events. Reddit

🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers

Beyond its historical significance, English Camp boasts natural beauty. The hike up Young Hill is a highlight, providing stunning coastal vistas. Reddit The well-maintained English garden offers a peaceful retreat, and the surrounding area is ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the island's flora. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pig War: A Curious Conflict

English Camp is a key site in understanding the peculiar 'Pig War' of 1859. This border dispute between the United States and Great Britain was sparked by the shooting of a pig belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company. Instead of escalating into full-blown war, the two nations established a joint military occupation of San Juan Island, with American forces at American Camp and British forces at English Camp. The visitor center provides an excellent overview of this unique historical event, making the preserved buildings and landscape come alive with stories of tense standoffs and eventual peaceful resolution. Reddit

Exploring the Trails and Views

Beyond the historic structures, English Camp offers beautiful natural scenery and hiking opportunities. The trail leading up to Young Hill is a moderate climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the distant shores of Vancouver Island. This hike is a favorite among visitors, offering a chance to stretch your legs and appreciate the island's coastal beauty. Reddit Shorter, flatter paths also wind through the camp area, allowing for a leisurely stroll and exploration of the English garden, which is particularly lovely when in bloom. Reddit

Family Fun with the Junior Ranger Program

For families visiting English Camp, the Junior Park Ranger program is a highly recommended activity. Available at the visitor center, the program provides children with an activity guide filled with engaging tasks related to the park's history and natural environment. Completing the guide allows kids to take a pledge and earn their own Junior Ranger badge, making their visit both educational and memorable. Reddit This hands-on approach is a fantastic way to spark interest in history and conservation for younger visitors. Reddit

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