Camp Killer Whale/ Camp Moran Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have to sign up for a cabin? Can’t we just get a cabin when we get there?
We want to be sure that there is enough space for everyone. Knowing what cabin you’re in will reduce arrival-day chaos. You can switch cabins if you want!
Do we have to participate in Camp Activities?
Nope.
What if I want to lie in bed and read the whole time? How crowded will it be?
Quiet time is no problem! The camp is fairly spacious. Each cabin will probably have 6-10 people. There’s meadows and hiking trails and all sorts of beauty right
around the camp- it will be easy to find quiet places and solitude if that’s your thing.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes but they have to stay on a leash the entire time. Dogs are not allowed in any camp buildings. If you bring a dog you have to camp in a tent.
Can we pitch a tent?
Yes you may! Update! There’s room for about 6-8 tents!
Is there free WiFi at lodge?
There is no internet at the Lodge or anywhere in the park. Cell phone reception is spotty.
Do we take a ferry to the Island?
YES. Take the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas. Make a reservation at the Washington Ferry website at
http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ScheduleDetailByRoute.aspx?schedrouteid=1626
Make reservations starting in April. more reservations will open in July. Be sure to reserve a return trip as well.
What bedding should we bring?
Each cabin has bunk beds and mattresses. Bring pillow and sleeping bag, and extra sheets or blankets and clamps if you want to make your bunk into a fort.
Beer wine and alcohol?
You can bring your own, but we ask that you keep it put away and not left out where young campers can get to it. There will be no keg in 2022.
Are there rowboats or canoes that we can rent or use at the ELC exclusive lake access point?
There are four canoes available to the users of Camp Moran. The beach is shared between the camp and the Vacation House guests. Life jackets and paddles are
also provided. You may want to bring life jackets for kids as there aren’t many. Additional boats may be available for rent at the Cascade Lake boat rental facility. You
will need to contact the concessionaire directly to make arrangements.
Should we bring rafts, floaties, boats, etc.?
Yes! The lake water is warm, too!
What food should I bring?
Meals are communal and cooperative. A group has volunteered to organize the cooking. We all pitch in money to get our basics purchased. We have a Salad Chef and
Pastry chef this year.
Meal crews of 6-8 people are responsible for prepping, setting up, cooking, and cleaning. Each of us will only need to work 3-4 meals!
There is a grocery store on the island, so no need to bring everything from your home town.
Those with special dietary needs should bring their own supplies. We will make veggie and meat options at every meal.
But what if I want to bring special food that I don’t want to share?
That’s cool too. We will clearly mark food that is for specific meals, and food that is NOT communal.
What type of pots/pans are there available in kitchen?
Lots. See inventory.
Is there a large coffee maker?
There is not, just a small coffee pot, so bring some coffee making devices.
( Gram scale , Kettle with a swan-necked spout , fancy moustache) We buy good beans communally, so no need to bring your own.
Do you have outdoor heaters? And/or can we bring them in to use from an outside vendor?
We do not, however there is a large outdoor fire circle by the lodge. You are welcome to bring rented outdoor heaters.
What are your trash/recycling policies?
Recycling and refuse disposal are available onsite. San Juan County recycling guidelines are attached. Please break down all cardboard.
How many cars will parking at site hold? Will people need Discover passes to park in ELC lot?
About 40. Overnight guests will not need a Discover Pass. Day use guests will need a Discover Pass for each day.
How many toilets are available at main lodge? Are there additional toilets in nearby buildings that can be used?
There are two toilets at the lodge and one nearby for the Upper Cabins. The lower cabins have restrooms (with showers) as well.
Is there a sound system in the lodge?
No. Appliances/electronics not provided will need prior approval by a Park Ranger. A boom box will be required for the dance party.
Is there a curfew for the ELC?
The park does not close gates or restrict access to the park or ELC but quiet hours for Camp Moran as well as the rest of the park are 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Please contact the Ranger for specifics about amplified music.
Can we use candles in the lodge?
The park does not have a policy for candles in the lodge but we prefer you do not have open flames in the historic lodge building. Tea lights/votives are acceptable,
contact the park if you would like to discuss alternatives.
Do you have decoration policies?
You cannot puncture the buildings at Camp Moran; no staples, nails, or tacks.
What are the clean-up policies?
You are responsible for cleaning the lodge, cabins, and any areas of the camp you use. Cleaning instructions and supplies are provided.
Will you have a staff on-site during the day of the event? Or at least, on-call in case of emergencies?
The park will have a Ranger on duty. There is a phone in the Lodge panty which may be used to call the Park Office to try and contact a Ranger. If you are unable to
contact park staff in the event of an emergency please use the courtesy phone to dial 911.
Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?
We do not however, previous guests have made their own signs for the entrance to Camp Moran on Olga Rd. The park provides a sandwich board for the driveway
entrance; you are welcome to make a sign to attach to the board.
What is the phone number at the lodge pantry?
360-376-2330
How far is town? Is there a grocery store?
The town of Eastsound is a ten minute drive. There is a big grocery store and a health food store too, although it is small. There is a really good bakery and plenty of
restaurants on the island.
What about medical emergencies?
If there is a Medical Emergency, you will get to fly in the tiny life flight plane with a nurse and pilot to the hospital on Anacortes.
Do we need to raise the camp flag every morning?
Yes! Camp Killer Whale Flag AND sing the Camp Song.
Who is in charge of planning Activities?
Anyone who wants to organize an Activity may do so. Be sure to bring (or ask others to bring) any supplies needed for your Activity.
Who is in charge of meals?
Each meal has a sign-up sheet. Adults should sign up to help with meal prep and clean-up for about three meals. (this will give us 6-10 people crews for each meal.) To
make meal planning and prep easier, we’ve planned and purchased food for each meal.
What if I want to go on a long hike all day and will miss lunch and dinner?
No worries! You may pack a lunch and snacks.
What if I want to switch cabins half way through the week?
Yes that is fine.
Fishing?
Cascade Lake is trout-stocked. You will need a Washington fishing license from the grocery store or outdoor store in Eastsound. Bring your own gear.
There will be a fishing competition.
Was the stone Watchtower on the top of Mt Constitution really in Lord of the Rings?
No. I made that up.
Is there a oyster farm with fresh crab and oysters within 5 minutes of driving in an automobile?
YES!
Do we have to stay the entire week?
You can stay any amount of days you wish, the price is the same ($115) so the best value would be to stay the whole week. We would prefer that people to stay on the
last day to help do the final clean.