English Camp Tours and Activities

English Camp showing flowers, landscape views and a garden
English Camp showing flowers and a garden
English Camp
English Camp which includes a lake or waterhole
English Camp


More than 150 years ago, the British Army prepared for battle on this site during the Pig War. Now, it’s a thought-provoking homage to the islands’ dramatic history.

In 1859, the British and American armies set up conflicting camps on San Juan Island to fight a war triggered by the killing of a pig. Come to the English Camp in summer to find out about this peculiar battle, in which the only casualty was the pig itself. Also visit the camp if you are into hiking and nature, because it is a picturesque spot and there are four miles (6.4 kilometers) of scenic trails and wildlife to discover.

A visit to the small museum at English Camp takes you back to 1861. The site is the only part of this American National Park to honor a British military site and even flies the British Union Jack. The exhibits and tour will help explain the Pig War, which was the result of the San Juan Boundary Dispute and, remarkably, an argument over compensation owed by an American who shot an Irishman’s pig for trespassing on his land. Kaiser Wilhelm I eventually solved the dispute and the camp was abandoned.

Witness a re-enactment on any Saturday during the summer or attend the free Encampment event at the end of July, a celebration of peace.

The former military post is part of the extensive National Historical Park on San Juan Island, with its network of nature trails. Enjoy stunning views over and the archipelago towards Canada from Young Hill, a gentle, 20-40 minute hike uphill. Spot the occasional bald eagle or deer along the way.

There are picnic tables in the camp, so bring food and drinks and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.

English Camp sits on the northwestern part of San Juan Island, surrounded by Westcott Bay and Garrison Bay. The park is just a 20-minute drive west of Friday Harbor, where the ferries and planes land.

Entrance to the camp is free. They take reservations for group celebrations and activities. There are numerous accommodation options in nearby Roche Harbor. English Camp is closed during the winter season from October until June.

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Top English Camp Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Snug Harbor Resort
Snug Harbor Resort
2.5 out of 5
1997 Mitchell Bay Rd, Friday Harbor, WA
Snug Harbor Resort
Beach house,  heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock
Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock
Friday harbor
Beach house, heated pool, hot tub, private beach, shared dock
Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Stunning View!
Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Stunning View!
Friday Harbor
Waterfront Home - Watch a Sunset from the Hot Tub, Private Beach, Stunning View!
Roche Harbor Resort
Roche Harbor Resort
3 out of 5
248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, WA
Roche Harbor Resort
Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Friday Harbor
Utter Seclusion on 600 Feet of Waterfront , Free WiFi
Secluded 4BR Retreat | Wellness, Hot Tub & Pet Friendly
Secluded 4BR Retreat | Wellness, Hot Tub & Pet Friendly
Friday Harbor
Secluded 4BR Retreat | Wellness, Hot Tub & Pet Friendly
Friday Harbor Suites
Friday Harbor Suites
2.5 out of 5
680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Friday Harbor Suites
Trumpeter Inn
Trumpeter Inn
3 out of 5
318 Trumpeter Way, Friday Harbor, WA
Trumpeter Inn
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Earthbox Inn & Spa
2.5 out of 5
410 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.