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Camping near Bellingham, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Bellingham provide options along the Puget Sound coastline and inland forest areas. Larrabee State Park Campground, located on Samish Bay about six miles south of Bellingham, offers both tent and RV camping with hookups in a forested setting near the shoreline. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping provides hike-in tent sites accessible by trail. The region includes several state parks with cabins and developed facilities, including Birch Bay State Park north of the city and Deception Pass State Park to the south. KOA campgrounds in Lynden and Burlington supplement these public lands with additional amenities for RV travelers.
Many campgrounds in the Bellingham area require advance reservations, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. Larrabee State Park and other developed facilities typically offer amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, while primitive sites at locations like Pine and Cedar Lakes have minimal infrastructure. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rain and cool temperatures. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate throughout the year, providing camping opportunities regardless of season. A recent review noted that "Clean campground in the rainforest along Chuckanut Drive...While it's a beautiful forest campground, the campsites are pretty close together and not very private."
Noise from passing trains represents a common issue at Larrabee State Park, with several visitors mentioning the disruption in reviews. According to one camper, "The trains aren't kidding. They are loud and they are all night." Campsites at Pine and Cedar Lakes provide a more secluded experience, requiring a "steep but short hike" to reach the primitive camping areas. These lakeside sites offer greater solitude but lack facilities. Beach access represents a highlight at coastal campgrounds, with tide pools and shoreline exploration opportunities at Larrabee State Park. Proximity to mountain biking and hiking trails adds recreational value to many of the campgrounds in the region, particularly those along Chuckanut Drive. The combination of coastal and forest settings gives Bellingham-area campgrounds distinct character compared to other camping regions in Washington.
Best Campgrounds near Bellingham (261)
1. Larrabee State Park Campground
"We have not camped at Larabee State Park, but we did scope it out during a recent visit to Bellingham. Here’s what we saw: Great newer looking playground for kids: bonus for families!"
"Larrabee State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located on Samish Bay, six miles (10 km) south of the city of Bellingham, Washington."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Deception Pass State Park Campground
"Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."
"This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."
from $12 - $167 / night
Check Availability3. Birch Bay State Park Campground
"This was our first trip in a new trailer, and the park is close to home for us, so perfect for our maiden voyage. Shaded sites, some hookup (water/electric), but most unserviced."
"Beautiful campground located right next to the bay awesome walking distance from our site to the bay and not too noisy either! Would definitely stay again perfect for small children as well!"
from $12 - $113 / night
Check Availability4. Bay View State Park Campground
"Our spot backed up to beautiful trees and was nicely situated to not feel crowded."
"Beach walks and a county path nearby. There is also a marine center with small aquarium nearby."
from $12 - $99 / night
Check Availability5. Lynden/Bellingham KOA
"Lynden KOA was the perfect nearby campground. Tent sites in the back are rather dusty (no grass)… but then again we’re camping so who cares. Grassy sites are around the pond and book up quickly."
"This part of Washington is beautiful. We have been a few times, but never hiked or camped. The weather was perfect for us, so much sunshine and warm weather!"
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability6. Oostema Farmstead
"It's close to Lynden, Bellingham and the coast right near the Canadian border. If you have time drive east to Emerson or Demming - great ride through the farmlands...."
"It is located on a working farm. There were chickens, cows, calves, a heron (I think it was nesting near the driveway), a raspberry field, a garden and even a cat wandering around. "
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability7. Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping
"Close to Bellingham, no bay views but nice scenery, little lake, and dense forest nonetheless. Good steep trails nearby and charming boardwalks."
"Steep but short hike, but hey, it's close to town! A 15 minute drive from downtown Bellingham and you get yourself a secluded, quiet lake."
8. Burlington-Anacortes KOA
"There is a creek that goes by the campground and it makes it for a nice walk with dogs or without dogs :) There are a lot of trees there, which provide shade for part of the day, which is great."
"Large sites are surrounded by woods and farmland. This is a great weekend getaway."
9. The Cedars RV Resort
"There are several back in spots around the perimeter with a bit more room (length). There are spaces with sufficient width for tip outs and those without."
10. Bellingham RV Park
"Flew in to the Bellingham airport, picked up a vehicle and arrived at Bellingham RV Park at about dusk (if you can't tell from the photos). Registration process was super-easy."
"Cute RV-only park not far from the Canadian border. Parking spots are pretty straight-forward, as it’s just a lot for RVs. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. No tent camping available."
Drive Time
- 23 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 17 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Olympia, WA
- 2 hrs 14 min from Bremerton, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Bellingham, WA
254 Photos of 261 Bellingham Campgrounds
Corinna B.
Bellingham RV Park
Danielle S.
Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping
Margaret H.
Rusty Ranch Cabin & Corral
Colleen T.
Larrabee State Park Campground
Andrea H.
Chuckanut Hills Farm Glamping & Camp
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Mount Vernon
Lisa O.
Oostema Farmstead
Eddy M.
Lynden/Bellingham KOA
Vivi W.
Burlington-Anacortes KOA
Dawnielle C.
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
EMILY K.
Cedar Groves Rural Campground
Sheena K.
Birch Bay State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Bellingham, WA
1007 Reviews of 261 Bellingham Campgrounds
Karrah K.
TravelerBoulder Creek Trail Dispersed
Private oasis off the road
I had the place to myself for 4 nights. It's not easy to get here as the road is full of potholes. Once you turn down this little "driveway" past an old open gate (didn't look like it had been closed in a long time - trust me I checked lol). Anyways you can fit many people, tents, probably campers too but you'll hit some brush or hanging branches - plenty of space to turn around though.
- Christina F.Guide
Deception Pass State Park Campground
Surprisingly secluded
HIGHLY recommend site 33 as it is secluded! Once in the site, I could not really see my neighbors. And this site was huge! I was in the Forest loop, which was lovely. Probably not for big trailers like 5th wheels or longer bumper pulls as the road through is very narrow and campsites are between big trees. It was perfect for my little 18 foot teardrop though. No playground. Good cell service. Here's the thing though, this is pretty much right next to NAS Whidbey so if jet noise bothers you, don't camp here. They were not doing night ops while we were there, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Kelly H.
ScoutKayak Point County Park
Campground review
Had everything for camping especially a quick walk to the water!
Sierra R.TravelerSwift Creek Campground
Beautiful Group site. Great day use area
Our first visit. We had a beautiful group site near center. Lots of room and fairly private. Fire pits, tent boxes clean and picnoc tables in good shape. Easy access Pit bathrooms, trails and day ise lake area. We did have a bear wonder by.. but didnt stay long. The trees have larve enough canopy thelat they shelter a bit from the rain.
Eliot P.TravelerBeachside RV Park
I count myself incredibly lucky to have found this park
I travel for a living and spend multiple months—or even years—at different parks. This one was amazing. The staff and the people were incredibly friendly, which actually made it hard to leave when it came time to move to another park in a different state. I would definitely consider moving back here when I reach retirement.
- MMiguel N.Scout
NF Dispersed Camping
Quiet and Peaceful
The river sounds were the highlight of this spot. Beautiful sunrise in the morning aswell
- MMichael G.Scout
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
Beautiful Retreat
Beautiful location and lots of services available on site and strong WiFi through the grounds. Camp for two days here on the weekend.
Michelle M.TravelerSkagit River RV & Camping
Good and clean facilities, crowded
This place has great toilets, showers, laundry, and is very clean but the sites are pretty packed in
Guide to Bellingham
Camping near Bellingham offers diverse lakeside and forest camping experiences within a short drive from the city. Situated in Whatcom County with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,000 feet, the area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 70°F with cool nights in the 50s. Winter camping requires preparation for frequent rainfall, with December through February averaging 5-7 inches of precipitation monthly.
What to Do
Paddle sports on Mountain Lake: At Moran State Park, visitors can enjoy kayaking on the calm lake waters. "This is a large campground on Orcas Island. It sits on Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump," notes Rich M., highlighting the water activities available.
Hiking at Pine and Cedar Lakes: The trails offer a challenging but rewarding experience with a "steep but short hike" to reach the primitive camping areas. "Close to Bellingham, no bay views but nice scenery, little lake, and dense forest nonetheless. Good steep trails nearby and charming boardwalks," reports Harry H.
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds around Bellingham provide opportunities to spot local fauna. At Larrabee State Park Campground, campers might encounter "furry neighbours" as one reviewer warns: "Just be aware that it has some nosy raccoon residents who feel very comfortable coming right up to camp to investigate your food situation."
What Campers Like
Lakeside camping spots: At Mountain Lake in Moran State Park, campers appreciate waterfront sites. "We were in site 22, right on the water (but also right next to the access road.) There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim," shares Jessica B.
Beach access: Birch Bay State Park Campground offers excellent beach recreation opportunities. "Grab a meal at the near by Doe Bay resort, you wont be disapointed!" recommends one visitor, while another notes, "If you're the type that loves walks along the beach and breath taking sunsets... Brich Bay State Park is the place to be!"
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds feature secluded sites. At Deception Pass State Park Campground, one camper found "Feeling safe and secure" noting, "Set way back from the road the campsite was surrounded by wilderness with a cute trail to the bathroom."
What You Should Know
Train noise: Multiple reviews mention the railway near Larrabee State Park. "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," reports Daryl N.
Military jet sounds: Campers at Deception Pass should prepare for overhead noise. "Definitely worth a stay with it's proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. Plus Anacortes is a fun town just a few minutes away. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Limited privacy at some sites: Many reviewers note the close quarters at popular campgrounds. One camper at Bay View State Park Campground observed, "Just 20 minutes from Mount Vernon/Burlington, near the water front/slough. Small campsites (some really tiny) with picnic tables, pit toilets and potable water."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "We stayed during Memorial weekend and had a blast! With young children we loved that Larrabee had a playground area and easy access to the beach," shares Carlyn N.
Kid-friendly amenities: Lynden-Bellingham KOA offers numerous activities for children. "Great Amenities…. Swimming pool, mini golf, arcade games, paddle boats. Lots of trees and shade! I love how it's tucked away and you forget your right in Lynden," notes Renee R.
Farm experiences: Unique accommodations like Oostema Farmstead provide educational opportunities. "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," reports Christina B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling blocks at some campgrounds. One RVer at Larrabee noted, "We had site T6 which is full hook up pull through. The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground."
Hookup options: Most state parks offer partial hookups. At Birch Bay, "Ewuipment: 30' Travel Trailer. Stayed in South Campgrounds. Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the from of the park."
Reservations essential: During peak season, advance booking is critical. "We were able to secure two spots next to each other. Busy place, but the spots are partitioned off by natural trees and shrubs," notes one family camper at Deception Pass State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Bellingham campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Bellingham campgrounds?
Swift Creek Campground provides excellent access to Northern Cascades hiking trails with beautiful scenery. This makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the wilderness. Oostema Farmstead offers grassy sites with updated hookups, picnic tables, and level camping areas. They also sell meat from their grass-fed cattle for a farm-to-table experience. Many campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like running water and restrooms. Some locations offer coin-operated showers, playground equipment for children, and proximity to beaches. Amenities vary by campground, with more developed sites providing electric hookups, while primitive sites focus on natural surroundings with fewer facilities but more seclusion.
Where are the best camping locations near Bellingham, Washington?
Where are the best camping locations near Bellingham, Washington?
Bellingham offers excellent camping options for nature lovers. Larrabee State Park Campground is located on Samish Bay just 6 miles south of Bellingham, offering fishing, boating, mountain trails for hiking and biking across its 2,683 acres. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping provides a tranquil setting close to Bellingham with scenic trails, charming boardwalks, and sites surrounded by dense forest with lake views. Other notable options include Swift Creek Campground with its great access to Northern Cascades trails, and Oostema Farmstead which offers pastoral views over raspberry fields. Each location provides unique experiences, from oceanfront settings to mountain vistas.
Are there oceanfront camping options in the Bellingham area?
Are there oceanfront camping options in the Bellingham area?
Larrabee State Park Campground offers prime oceanfront camping on Samish Bay just south of Bellingham. The park features a charming beach with beautiful views, clean grounds, and bathroom facilities with coin-operated showers. Campers can enjoy quick access to both the beach and local amenities in Bellingham. The waterfront location provides an ideal setting where the mountains meet the sea, though be prepared for occasional train noise as tracks run near the campground. For additional oceanfront options, Bay View State Park Campground near Mount Vernon offers drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. These coastal campgrounds provide stunning sunset views and water recreation opportunities while still maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.
Is RV camping available near Bellingham, WA?
Is RV camping available near Bellingham, WA?
Yes, RV camping is readily available near Bellingham. Bellingham RV Park is a dedicated RV-only facility with straightforward parking spots, convenient location near the Canadian border, and proximity to gas stations and the Bellingham Airport. The park features a lodge with laundry facilities and showers, and advanced reservations are highly recommended. No tent camping is available at this location. For those seeking alternatives, Birch Bay State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilet facilities. Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, though it's worth noting that at certain locations like Larrabee State Park, power may be shut off at specific hours. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.
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