Due to COVID-19, the campground is 100% reservable to limit the number of people travelling to Cortes Island without confirmed accommodation and to ensure that the park can accommodate visitors safely at Smelt Bay. The overflow camping site is limited to one-night emergency camping only.
Access: Follow the signs from Sutil Point Road.
Estimated Walking Time: 30 mins - 1.5 hours
Local's Tip: The shoreline walking at Smelt Bay is the best on Cortes Island. For a longer walk at low tide, follow the coastline north to Manson's Landing or south around Cortes' southern tip to reach Smelt Bay. Both walks take ~3-4 hours, depending on how long you explore sea life in the tidal pools.