We are on a fairly tight budget but would like to spend a couple of days on one of the San Juan Islands.  First wk in August.

Two adults, two teens.  Mostly into the nature photography, not resort living or amenities, and we hate being pampered.  Happy to take pretty much just a couple of beds to crash and a shower and would be happy to camp if we didn't have to bring gear from East coast. 

All I see is pretty high end.  Is there anything real budget on the islands - - or at least which island seems to be more Jimmy Buffett and low end? 

Thanks for your help and a very helpful website.

If you are going to Orcas Island you have two budget options that I know of.  Doe Bay
http://www.doebay.com/
 has hostel type accomodations and cabins without baths (central showers).  Bit of an upscale hippy type of place (cafe is vegetarian and you can get yoga lessons and soak in the hot tubs overlooking the water sans clothing) so more Parrothead than most places in the islands but you might be better off if you can squeeze into the Blackberry Beach Garden Cottage.
http://www.blackberrybeach.com/
There's a couch but I'm not sure if it makes into a double bed.  Perhaps an air mattress might work.  If Blackberry Beach won't work then ask Carol Jo (owner of Blackberry Beach) if she knows of any place.

Both fill up quickly during the season so don't wait.  Orcas has Moran State Park with Mt Constitution at the center.  Great views, many miles of trails, waterfalls and lakes.  It's a $10 ferry ride to San Juan if you want to go to Lime Kiln park to look for whales.

Ron