RV camping near Bellingham, Washington offers year-round accommodation options with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Located in the northwestern corner of Washington state, this region experiences mild, rainy winters and temperate summers with average high temperatures around 73°F in July and August. Most campgrounds in the Bellingham area sit at low elevations between sea level and 500 feet, providing easy access for larger vehicles.
What to do
Paddle in Birch Bay: The shallow, warm waters at Beachside RV Park provide excellent kayaking opportunities within walking distance of your campsite. "Quiet in town and on the unbelievably warm waters of the shallow Birch Bay just across the street," notes one camper who enjoyed the paddling options.
Explore local trails: Friday Creek Campground provides convenient access to hiking within a 15-minute drive of the Anacortes ferry terminal. A visitor mentioned the campground is "well manicured" though "not especially private," but praised its location for regional exploration.
Visit nearby parks: Thousand Trails Mount Vernon serves as a good base for day trips to natural attractions. One camper reported: "I loved the forest here. It was a very wooded site. Groceries were reasonably priced. We took a day trip to the cascades."
What campers like
Private spaces between sites: The Cedars RV Resort in Ferndale uses landscaping to create separation between camping spots. A guest appreciated that "there are trees between every camp spot to add privacy" and that "the restrooms are clean and the showers are free."
Clean facilities: Many Bellingham-area campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, a camper highlighted the "very nice bathrooms" noting that they're "single rooms not shared, very private and sparkling clean!"
Convenient access to town: Riverfront RV Park in Sedro-Woolley offers urban camping with close proximity to services. A reviewer described it as "great spot for an Overnighter on the road through quaint Sedro-Woolley WA" with "easy access directly to the lake with a primitive boat launch meant for smaller, canoe-like, vessels."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds near Bellingham offer spacious sites while others pack RVs tightly together. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, a camper observed that "phase 1 spots are so close you could very well 'spare a square' of TP to your neighbor. Phase 2 has a lot more room to spread out and it's nice."
Seasonal maintenance issues: Several campgrounds experience facilities maintenance challenges, particularly during peak season. At Thousand Trails La Conner, a visitor in June 2023 reported "dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away."
Noise considerations: Highway and transportation noise affects multiple campgrounds. Mount Vernon RV Campground has "proximity to I-5, but if you bring ear plugs it's okay," according to one camper who stayed there.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer multiple recreation options for children. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, a visitor noted there's "lots to do here on site, but get out and explore the town. You're sure to have a good time here."
Consider amenities beyond the campsite: Swimming pools and play areas can make a big difference for family stays. The Cedars RV Resort offers "a good dog park, pool, and friendly staff" with "a little mini mart on site."
Research accessibility needs: Beachwood Park (Sun Retreats Birch Bay) is situated in a "golf cart friendly" town where families can easily get around. One camper mentioned: "Can't say enough about how cool the town around the park was and everyone was super friendly."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: For RV camping near Bellingham, Washington, site sizes vary dramatically between and within parks. At Thousand Trails La Conner, a camper noted there are "some full hook ups, cabins, club house. Most sites treed although an area of parking lot type spots as well."
Cost-saving options exist: Not all RV parks charge premium rates. Norwest RV Park in Ferndale offers "small spaces but they are level and the price is right!" according to one budget-conscious RVer.
Dump station availability: Riverfront RV Park doesn't have onsite sewage disposal, but a visitor shared that there's a "free city dump station within a mile; easy to access" along with "2 clean bathrooms; no shower."
