Stuart Island Marine State Park (29 November 2024)

Crossing Notes

Launching

Launching from Roche Harbor is pretty easy with a nice area near the boat ramps to prep and load gear. There are launch and parking fees. But alas, there are donuts.

Crossing

This is a “relatively” short crossing. But it well known to have risks due to the currents in Spieden Channel. Crossing to Stuart from Roche Harbor is the least risky crossing since the currents and rips on the west end of Spieden Island are less severe. It still seems prudent to cross at slack and cross between Danger Shoal & Center Reef.

Landing

The beach at Reid Harbor is shallow so landing and launching at a high tide would be good.

Trip Reports

Nov 2024 - Bill E

Dec 2019 - Alex S

Stuart Island Marine State Park (29 November 2024) - Paddling Alone & Dodging Death

Reid Harbor (South)

I imagine this group of campsites would be great for a large group or groups. But for me, it was pretty dank and wet. Perhaps in the midst of summer it would perk right up.

On the plus side there are options for hammocks and it is adjacent to the county road which takes you to the old school house and the Turn Point Lighthouse.

Reid Harbor (North)

This is where I camped (site 15) on my first visit to Stuart Island. And to be honest, if the Reid Harbor beach site were all there were I’d have left not knowing if I’d return. I’ve been spoiled by the stunning view campsites on Sucia & Jones Islands.

That said, this isn’t a bad area. It gets sun during the winter which isn’t nothing. And its at the base of the stairs that leads up to the saddle portion of the park, so it’s prime spot to start many a hike.

Reid Harbor Saddle

The saddle, overflow, area is where things get interesting. There are a number of nice, hammock friendly, sites above the Reid Harbor dock. The problem is beach access for kayaks. I wondered if one is allowed to unload and store their kayaks on the dingy dock. Then it would be a short carry up the steps to the Saddle campsites.

The caveat here is that I would only think this is a good idea in the off season. I thought site 11 looked particularly interesting if I could swing the dingy dock strategy.

Prevost Harbor Saddle

Everything about camping at Stuart Island seems like a “pick your poison”. At least it does during the off season. The Prevost Harbor Saddle is still pretty nice, but darker and in the trees. I would image during the season it would nice. But then I’m sure it would be supper crowded as well. Site 7 would be my pick here. That said, if I’m kayaking into Prevost Harbor I’m looking to snag a site from one of the choice ones to the Northwest.

Prevost Harbor North

I was told, online, that these campsites were the “Goldilocks” sites. And oh boy is that ever the case. In the off season you do give up sun in your face, but the location and view are stunning. Hammock option abound and a private beach for access.

Two sites stand out, 3 and 4. I would say that site 4 is the most stunning, but I almost prefer site 3 for its relative, secluded privacy. If conditions allow, this will be my choice during a future visits.