Camping near Birch Bay State Park

90% (12 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Birch Bay State Park adventure.

Camp next to a shellfish-harvesting hotspot just nine miles south of the Canadian border.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Birch Bay State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Birch Bay State Park

Our two week camp set up, first time trying it out. worked really well

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Birch Bay Campground

169 sites · RVs, Tents In Birch Bay State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Birch Bay State Park

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West Beach Resort

75 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Eastsound, WA

West Beach Resort is located on the sunny and pristine west side of Orcas Island, Washington. We are a private destination resort specializing in providing guests with an authentic San Juan Islands getaway. We have been an Orcas Island lodging and hotel destination since 1938. Stay in our fully-equipped beachfront cabins on our world class walk-out, west-facing, sand/pebble beach and watch the sunset as you relive the day’s adventures from your private beach fire pit. We also offer ocean view and garden cabins, RV, camping, marina, boat rentals, general store, kayak and canoe rentals, and a seasonal activities kiosk and beachfront food service. Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic family summer vacation spot or that romantic retreat in the off-season, you simply won’t find a more stunning location for your escape to Washington's paradise that is Orcas Island's West Beach Resort.

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Greenstone Farm Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Vernon, WA

Reserve your RV site, Dispersed tent camping, or Luxury Glamping tent vacation today! We cannot accommodate same day bookings. Quiet country location, gorgeous views of Mount Baker, horses pastured next door, eagles overhead. Trails in forest for your enjoyment. Close to North Cascades for Hiking, Big Lake for Water sports, Disc Golf, Walker Valley off road ATV park, and close to downtown Mount Vernon for amenities. One hour north of Seattle, one hour south of Vancouver, BC. RV parking on long flat driveway can accommodate large size rigs. Full Hookup available (20/30/50 Amp power, Potable water, (septic by arrangement). Guest Wi-Fi available. Maximum 13 night stay, no long term rental space available. Dogs welcome on leash or fenced at all times. Includes use of communal area to cook, outdoor washup sink, and access to fire pit with wood and fire starters available. We are a strictly non smoking site, except inside your rig. Glamping tent in the forest is 16 x 24 ft, with pillow top queen bed, kitchenette with refrigerator/microwave/drinking water/dishes, comfy seating and 8 foot covered deck. Access to full bathroom, cooking facility, communal fire pit, BBQ, Wi-Fi available, full electrical power in tent, woodstove in tent with wood provided. Not suitable for small children, and no pets allowed in tent. Walk in Campsites - choose your own place to spend the night on the open pasture or in our forest. 1 tent per reservation. In forest tent site is small, single tent for no more than 2 people recommended. Includes use of communal area to cook, use of picnic tables, Full bathroom and access to fire pit with free wood and firestarters. We do not allow in-car camping.

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Samara Farm Treehouses

4 sites · Lodging12 acres · Acme, WA

Samara Farm is a magical, tranquil homestead on a beautiful 12 acre lot in the town of Acme, WA. The forest in the back of the property has magestic old-growth maples, hemlocks, spruce, and an abundance of NW native understory plants. Nearby, there is a river for swimming, fly-fishing, kayaking, tubing, and the Acme Diner and General Store are within walking distance. The property has a huge garden with an abundance of fresh produce year round.

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Saltgrass Garden

1 site · Lodging5 acres · La Conner, WA

***** Note: The KING TIDES this weekend are exciting!!! If there are winds out of the south even more so. Check the tides for timing. Join us in our cabin overlooking the saltwater at the mouth of Turner Bay. In September we will have high water almost all day. Which makes for great bird watching (10/23 the eagles are back) and exciting deck time. This is a family property with the host on site in the main house. The cabin is really cozy as we have an HVAC system so you can stay warm in the winter months, and cool in the summer. This unique property's location allows for many fun outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, crabbing; and fishing (seasonal), Birding, bicycling and playing on the beach, high tide twice a day brings in all sorts of wildlife as well as the occasional message in a bottle. For small craft (kayak or canoe) boating from here the most accurate tide chart is La Conner Wash. There must be a high tide to get in or out of our little bay. https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9448558 We are located very close to many amenities. Some of which you need to call ahead to arrange. For instance, rock climbing, or kayak rentals. You will find the Swinomish Casino and golf course within two miles. Or spend time exploring the little shops and local entertainment in the small towns of Anacortes and La Conner. You can also take a day trip to the San Juan Islands by taking a scenic ferry ride out of Anacortes. While you're here you may meet our pup Turner, or our cats Poly and Minnie, we also have several chickens that provide us with eggs most of the time. Also on the property are your hosts Jeri and Nancy, as well as our handyman Shawn who lives in a retro build bus at the north end. Saltgrass boasts beautiful flowers, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and yes, the Bay. We try to live harmoniously with the land. We would love to share our space with you! Our property has hosted many events, such as weddings, family reunions, company picnics, a music festival, and life celebrations. If you are interested, please let us know. We are always evolving our land to share with others.

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North Wind House: Historic Cascadia

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Everson, WA

Step back in time to 1890 on this rustic and authentic organic homestead property. We have worked to ensure that you feel the rich cultural and natural heritage of this rugged wilderness in the North Cascade foothills. Within an hour or two of Seattle, Vancouver BC, Mt Baker, The Salish Sea and so much more. We have lava tube swimming holes on the property, and glacier fed spring water, and The property is adjacent to the easily accessible and incredile Nooksack Valley Gold mine Trail.Come experience life as it once was in the Cascadia bio-region.Learn more about this land:Nestled on the first foothills of the Cascades, this 30 acre historic farm property established in 1890 has an array of beautiful and private tenting sights from grassy fields to lush rainforest. The land is rustic and charming with many species of trees and wildlife.

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Pacific Rim Institute

1 site · Lodging175 acres · Coupeville, WA

This land has passed through many families but was first "managed" by Salish Indians who burned the prairie and harvested native plants for food, medicine, clothing, charms and more for 10,000 years. When European settlers arrived in the 1850s, burning the prairie all but ceased and that, along with the introduction of many new exotic species of animals, crop plants and weeds, began the degradation of the landscape. Over time our site was used to graze sheep and then raise pheasants (from 1944-1999). It was slated for housing development but several citizens rose up and prevented that from happening. Now the Pacific Rim Institute, a private nonprofit organization is the steward of this precious jewel of central Whidbey and the Pacific Northwest. We have a five-acre remnant prairie with over 80 species of native plants - critical to the restoration of degraded lands throughout the Salish Sea region. We have over two miles of walking trails for you. They traverse our prairie, savannas and forests. The land is full of color when the native wildflowers bloom from early spring through early autumn. We have a Native Plant Center where we grow up to 50 species of rare native plants. Ask us for a tour.

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Group Camping At Cedar Star Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Bellingham, WA

Welcome to Cedar Star Ranch! A destination designed for large groups and private events. We look forward to hosting you soon. The CAMPGROUND at Cedar Star Ranch is located in a private and heavily forested area of the property. Currently, the grounds are available to rent individually or in its entirety. The campground includes two covered 12’x20’ shelters, one 8'x16' cabin, and three tent sites. Each site has a fire pit, picnic tables, room for additional tents, and parking as well. Surrounding the sites is a playground, covered community cooking/dining with multiple BBQs and smoker, a pond, open fields, and a quaint dog park. All amenities are easily accessible by the road that loops through the campground. This listing is for the CAMPGROUND ONLY. The property has other homes available for rent including a large home (sleeps 16), a smaller home (sleeps 4), and an indoor event venue. Additional accommodations and access may be possible as well. Please message us with inquiries about other rental options.

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Samish Island Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bow, WA

Come and experience the beauty of Samish Island at this private high bank campsite. Enjoy the amazing water and mountain views from this unique property while lounging in your van, relaxing in your tent or hanging out on the spacious decks. Convenience of a drive on island and only 20 minutes to the freeway. Single campsite is located at the front of the property perched at the bluff edge, boasting amazing sunsets, panoramic water views of Samish + Bellingham bay with Blanchard and Chuckanut in the background. Bring your toys or just enjoy the view. Located just steps from the public beach access you can enjoy clamming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just beach combing. There is also a regularly serviced Honey bucket at the park access. Bikes are a great option for exploring the island and the surrounding area including all that Edison has to offer just a few miles away. Site includes a designated parking space, two large decks with a pergola, gazebo, timber table, firepit and adirondack chairs for enjoying the view. we are best setup for tent campers w/ single vehicle, trucks w/ slide in campers, vans etc. We CANNOT accommodate travel trailers at this site! No power/water/bathroom facilities Friendly pets are welcome, please pick up after your furry friends and keep them on leash or long line *firewood/bikes/kayaks/paddle boards not provided The residence is not currently occupied and we are starting repairs and renovations on the back buildings later this year, so you may see me in/out some days as I base my construction business from the shop at the back of the property Please enjoy the private campsite area and refrain from exploring the back of the property or other buildings.

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Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sedro Woolley, WA

Retreat to relax at Chuckanut Hills Farm and Campground, a 20-acre energy-regenerative, off-grid family farm nestled at the foot of Anderson Mountain and surrounded by thousands of acres of forest. 30 minutes south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains, the only finger of the Cascade Mountain Range that reaches all the way to the Salish Sea. This wooded forest is part of the Puget Lowland Forest Eco-Region. These hills were the native home of the Saquantch people, a Salish coast tribe that fished and hunted the mountains surrounding Lake Whatcom. They lived in long lodge homes and were later pushed out by the invading Lummi Tribe. The Lummi Tribe was later pushed out by Western logging companies, and the entire mountainous region was heavily logged for a number of years. Where our farm now rests was once the second of many logging camps built by Ed English, and he cut our gravel farm road in 1900; a railroad ran through the lower part of our property, taking logs from Lake Whatcom down to the little boom town of Seattle. Our intention while being caretakers of this ancestral land is to restore native plants, raise heirloom produce and heritage animals, and provide a restful nature paradise for people looking to spend time in the outdoors.

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Serene Lopez Island Camping

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres · Lopez Island, WA

Designed with solo travelers, couples, & adults, in mind. Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping is a casual farm style inn on the north end of Lopez Island. Conveniently located between the ferry terminal and the village where the restaurants, markets, and coffee shops are. With only 13 campsites on the property it never feels crowded. Choose from drive in, walk in, or fully furnished canvas wall tent sites and camp buildings that houses showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Whether you're seeking a quiet getaway or an outdoor adventure, Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping provides the perfect setting. Guests can explore the island's scenic trails, cruise around the island on bike, or simply unwind on the property's grounds. Bbq grills, microwave, instant hot water dispenser, and a bocce ball court are amenities offered with each campsite having their own picnic table. At the Inn we have a pair of friendly cats, entertaining sheep and a couple dozen chickens. You'll get the sense of the farm, a taste of the slo-pez style, and a chance to connect with like minded folks or enjoy some peace and quiet to yourselves.

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Rosario Camp & RV

16 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Anacortes, WA

Location: On Rosario Road, directly across the street from Cougar Gap Road (Rosario Beach). Property: This gorgeous piece of property is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, Washington), less than one minute away from Deception Pass State Park. Yes, we are within walking distance of Deception Pass State Park and we border Pass Lake. This amazing Hipcamp is located on just under 17 gorgeous acres, with amazing water and forest views. This breathtaking location is extremely unique, because we are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Wildlife: When it comes to wildlife, you will wake-up to the beautiful and rejuvenating melodies of a plethora of wild birds, chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers,, etc. During your stay, you will cross paths with deer and various other wild animals, in this very natural and pristine setting. Vegetation: While enjoying your stay at Rosario Camp & RV, you’ll also enjoy a medley of flora, such as the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pacific Madrone and many other native trees. In addition, you’ll be able to taste absolutely delicious in-season wild berries, view Pacific Bleeding hearts, vine maples and many more different types of vegetation, native to Northwestern Washington. Many Fun Activities: In this location, you will have so many spots to enjoy various water sport activities , which include: Pass Lake (no motors), Bowman Bay, Lake Campbell, etc. At our beautiful Hipcamp location you’re, literally, in the middle of it all. If you’d like, you may choose to walk, bike, moped or drive across the street (Rosario Road), to Deception Pass State Park, to explore various views and go for absolutely amazing hikes. You may choose to go on long mountain bike rides, with breathtaking views of Deception Pass Bridge, Bowman Bay and more. Perhaps, you’ll choose to rent a paddle board, canoe, kayak, boat or simply bring your own. There is scuba diving and scuba diving classes available, in the area. How about going on a fly fishing adventure, for stocked cutthroat, rainbow and/or brown trout (15”-29”+), at beautiful Pass Lake. If you’re interested in yachting or fishing the “big water” that is also an option, in the area of Anacortes (A-Town). There are many different tours available, at and around Deception Pass State Park, on land and/or on one of our area lakes or in the big water. We also have numerous exciting festivals, outdoor concerts, bike and boat races, for you, your family and friends to enjoy. We are really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our very special, unique and beautiful Hipcamp, with you. Fine Dining/Restaurants; Fine Dining: Anacortes has absolutely spectacular restaurants and specialty dining spots (e.g. The Majestic, Naung Mai Thai, Anthony’s, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, 5th Street Bistro, Coconut Kenny’s, Bastion Brewing Company, Bob’s Chowder Bar, The Shrimp Shack, Bamboo Bistro and many other memorable restaurants. There are 15 campsites available, at our Anacortes Hipcamp (Rosario Camp & RV) location. So, book your beautiful campsite, today.

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Guemes North Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Anacortes, WA

The Guemes North Homestead is ten acres of gorgeous tall trees, clearings, homestead buildings, pond, trails, renewable energy gear, and more, set in the middle of the north end of Guemes Island (a 7-minute ferry from downtown Anacortes), at the end of a 1/3-mile dead-end driveway. It has nature, quiet, and privacy. It includes a 30-year-old orchard, a developed garden with fine soil, a pond with rope swing and waterslide, several solar and wind energy systems, and multiple buildings. It's about a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is surrounded by wooded acreage that is criss-crossed with trails and friendly neighbors, on an island with about 700 year-round residents and an active weekend/summer population. Homestead owner Ian Woofenden is an expert in renewable energy systems. He's lived off-grid at the homestead for 40-plus years, where he raised his large family and managed several small businesses. He now consults, sells, writes, and teaches about renewable energy in the U.S. and in Central America. If your idea of a great getaway is to help out and do physical work, just ask Ian. There's always something going on at the homestead, including garden and orchard work, trail building, wood cutting, construction, sawmilling, and more. Ian built this place, and has a broad knowledge of lots of homestead and sustainability topics. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with guest, students, and interns. Quick reminders: NOT a party spot. The homestead goes silent from 9 PM to 9 AM. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers can ask for 25% discount code (or use bike listing). Two-night minimum. No pets. One tent per site; one car per site. Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you. We can't accommodate day visitors; if you want guests, book a site for them, or meet them at the beach, park, or Guemes mountain.. Bring your own bedding, matches, flashlights. Questions always welcome.

The best camping near Birch Bay State Park guide

Overview

About

Birch Bay carves a semi-circle out of Puget Sound, just nine miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. This peaceful spot shows off views of the North Cascades and Canada’s Gulf Islands⁠—and features epic sunsets on clear days. Visitors can head to the beach at low tide to harvest oysters and clams, take a dip in the relatively warm water on a hot day, spot birds at Terrell Marsh, and set crab pots. Campsites at the sole Birch Bay Campground are tucked away in the forest, a short walk from the beach.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All of the campsites at Birch Bay State Park are reservable for arrival dates from May 15 to September 15.
The park is open year round for camping, though some campsites are closed in winter.
All reservations can be made nine months in advance at most.

When to go

Birch Bay State Park is open year round. It’s most busy on summer weekends and holidays, though summer weekdays can be busy, too. Spring and fall are quieter, with fewer crowds and campsites readily available without much advance planning. The park is very popular for crabbing, with harvest usually beginning in mid-August.

Know before you go

If you plan to go crabbing or shellfishing at Birch Bay, be sure to buy a recreational license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The city of Bellingham, where you can stock up on essentials, is a short 20-minute drive away.
The half-mile Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail is one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in the area, and is a great spot to look for a variety of birds.
The park requires visitors to purchase a Discover Pass for entry. Birch Bay has an automated pay station to buy a one-day or annual Discover Pass.