Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bellingham, WA
Larrabee State Park Campground welcomes pets at all 26 campsites nestled along Samish Bay, just six miles south of Bellingham. Dogs must remain on leash throughout the campground and beach areas. The park features hiking trails where leashed dogs can join their owners, with 15 miles of paths including routes up Chuckanut Mountain. Campers with pets should be aware of wildlife in the area, as the campground has resident raccoons that feel comfortable approaching campsites. Several pet-friendly accommodations exist near Bellingham, including Birch Bay State Park Campground and Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping where dogs are allowed on trails. The campground facilities at Larrabee include clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site.
Trails at Pine and Cedar Lakes provide excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs, though the approach is steep. The primitive sites require a short but challenging hike to reach, making them best suited for tent campers with athletic dogs comfortable with trail hiking. Owners should bring adequate water for pets as drinking water is not available at primitive sites. Pet waste should be packed out from all trail areas. Frequent train noise at Larrabee State Park may disturb noise-sensitive dogs throughout the night, with trains passing close to the campground at regular intervals. The nearby Bellingham area offers veterinary services and pet supply stores for campers needing emergency care or forgotten supplies. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances to other campers.
