North of Bellingham and east of Interstate 5, camping opportunities near Acme, Washington offer secluded forest sites within driving distance of both mountain trails and saltwater shores. The area sits between the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Puget Sound, with elevations ranging from sea level to several hundred feet in the foothills. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though North Cascades Highway closures can limit eastern access during winter months.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping provides access to two small lakes after a challenging uphill trek. "It's a high hike. Straight up. There are two sites. One north and one south of the lake. A few good level sites and some built in benches. No fires permitted and a few fishing spots if you are daring," explains a camper about Cedar Lake.
Beachcombing for marine life: Birch Bay State Park Campground offers extensive shoreline exploration opportunities. "You can walk along the beach for what seems like forever, up and around Birch Bay, but some of it is probably private property so be careful where you college clams and crabs," notes one visitor. The park also features designated swimming areas where "the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos."
Train watching: Several campers mention the railroad tracks running through Larrabee State Park Campground. "Love this location. Right on the water. Right in the mountains. Can't ask for better sites. They have running water, bathrooms, etc. Close to Beautiful Bellingham and amazing hikes. There is however, a train that runs right by the campground and it is loud!" shares one reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded island camping: Among the best places to camp near Acme are sites requiring short hikes. "There are a few campsites along the lakes, but the best one is on the island at Pine lake. There is a boardwalk that gets you there," notes a visitor about the primitive camping experience.
Farm-to-table camping: Oostema Farmstead offers a unique agricultural camping experience. "Lisa gave us a tour and let our children pet/feed the cows, goat, and pig. The kids loved it!! We like that there isn't rows of RVs and Trailers stacked on top of each other, you have space to wonder and spread out," writes one camper.
Waterfront activities: Deception Pass State Park Campground provides multiple water-based recreation options. "We ended a two week long sea kayaking expedition here in the fall. It's a large park with a lot of room. We even spent a few hours playing in the current that rips through Deception Pass," reports a camper.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train traffic affects several campgrounds in the region. "Lovely area and views. We visited in the winter, so it was quiet. Downside was the trains barreling through all night. Could barely sleep with earplugs," notes one Larrabee State Park visitor.
Seasonal changes: Winter camping near Acme presents different challenges and experiences. "The only campground open in the winter at Deception Pass State Park is the Quarry Pond area. And even though the weather was wet and cold the campground was far from empty during our stay," explains a camper.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Bay View State Park Campground receives praise for cleanliness. "Bathrooms and showers were spotless," notes a recent visitor. In contrast, primitive sites like Pine and Cedar Lakes have no facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. "With young children we loved that Larrabee had a playground area and easy access to the beach. We also took advantage of the hiking trails nearby," shares one parent.
Consider recreation amenities: Burlington-Anacortes KOA offers multiple family-friendly features. "Beautiful clean well kept. Gated and safe. Pancake breakfast and ice cream socials on the weekend. Large pull through sites. Cabins and a teepee," reports a camper. The campground also features a pool, which families appreciate.
Check swimming options: Shallow water areas provide safer swimming for children. "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," notes a Deception Pass visitor. This allows families with younger children to enjoy water activities with less concern.
Tips from RVers
Watch for leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. "The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground," warns an RVer about Larrabee State Park. "When I went to leave and dump our trailer at our site I had to pull the trailer forward so the waste would flow because the site is so unlevel."
Consider site privacy: Many RV campers note proximity issues. "This is a beautiful place and beach, worth a day trip. The campground is so compact with no privacy though. I can see RVers liking it, but this tent camper can't handle the amount of feeling like you are camping on top of your neighbors," shares a visitor to Birch Bay.
Note Wi-Fi availability: Thousand Trails Mount Vernon receives mixed reviews for connectivity. "If you need wifi to plan your next days this location is not for you. Wifi available at the lodge only and very slow," reports one RVer, highlighting the importance of having alternate connectivity options when planning routes.
