Tent campsites near Bellingham, Washington range from easily accessible primitive sites to remote island destinations. Located in Whatcom County, the region sits at the northern edge of Puget Sound with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet across various camping locations. Winter camping often brings temperatures between 30-45°F with frequent rain, while summer offers milder 55-75°F conditions that attract higher numbers of campers.
What to do
Lake swimming opportunities: Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping offers swimming in two small lakes. "Swimming is possible if you don't harm any shoreplants on your way in," notes camper Niki A., who also mentions the "fun boardwalks to explore" around Pine Lake.
Kayaking on mountain lakes: Enjoy paddling on sheltered waters at Mountain Lake Campground on Orcas Island. "It sits on Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump," says Rich M. The lake also features "a fun bridge to jump off of to swim," according to Jessica B.
Fossil hunting excursions: Sucia Island Marine State Park contains notable fossil deposits. "Sucia also boasts fun fossils in and around Fossil Bay," writes Kelsey M. The island also offers "cool rock scrambling in the sandstone cliffs, great tide pooling" as noted by Kaila R.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Watch for marine mammals from shoreline campsites. At Clark Island Marine State Park, one camper "enjoyed an evening of humpback whales blowing in the channel to the east of me," while another visitor to Moran State Park reports, "We got to see an otter at Cascade Lake."
What campers like
Short hikes with big rewards: Lily and Lizard Lakes provides backcountry camping without a long trek. "A good one or two night backpacking experience. There is no overnight parking at the top lot that is half way up the trail, so you have to park on Chuckanut drive," advises Audrey L.
Island camping solitude: Clark Island Marine State Park offers peaceful sites despite its location on shipping lanes. "On September 18, I was the only person there and enjoyed an evening of humpback whales blowing in the channel to the east of me," reports Jill R., who kayaked to the island.
Bioluminescent waters: Paddlers report exceptional night displays at Cypress Island. One camper shares that they "did a bioluminescence tour in the kayaks after midnight on the northern end of the island that was heart stopping."
Sunset viewing spots: Several campgrounds offer prime sunset observation points. At Obstruction Pass State Park, a camper noted the "sunsets were magical and the campground has 2 beach access points." Another reports, "The views are priceless," making it worth the short hike in.
What you should know
Limited campsite availability: Most tent sites near Bellingham fill quickly during peak season. At Obstruction Pass State Park Campground, "My recommendation is to check for burn bans (so you know if you should bring fire wood) and arrive early as these sites are first come first serve."
Fire restrictions vary: Many primitive camping areas have specific fire rules. At Cedar Lake Campsite, "No fires permitted" according to Duane and Janey D., while at Lily and Lizard Lakes, "All the sites had a fire ring."
Water access challenges: Bring filtration systems for backcountry sites. A camper at Lily and Lizard Lakes warns that "the only water source is from the lakes which is not the cleanest water so bring a good filter."
Transportation logistics: Island camping requires planning. For Cypress Island, "You can take your own boat or get a local ferry ride to the island," shares Sarah C., while Moran State Park requires "ferry from the mainland," according to Josiah P.
Tips for camping with families
First-time backpacking location: Obstruction Pass State Park works well for novice hikers. "My twelve year old wanted to try backpacking, but not hike too far. My wife didn't want us to get eaten by bears. The solution? Obstruction Pass!" shares Don, adding that "The hike in is fairly flat, with just moderate ups and downs."
Islands with kid-friendly beaches: Several San Juan Islands offer family-friendly shorelines. Sucia Island features a beach that is "sandy, warm water and home to the China Caves. The Caves are fun to climb around in and have a fun history of hiding smugglers," notes Kelsey M.
Short-distance wilderness exposure: Cedar Groves Rural Campground provides an immersive nature setting without long hikes. Jake C. describes it as having "some great tent sites surrounded by tall dense trees, with tons of wildlife all around you!"
Accessible outdoor education: Mountain Lake Campground offers nature learning opportunities. "There are great hikes all around, we walked around the lake and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around," shares Kaysha R., who visited with family during February.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options available: Most tent sites near Bellingham are not suitable for RVs. Norwest RV Park in nearby Ferndale offers one of the few RV-friendly options with "Small spaces but they are level and the price is right!" according to Bradee A.
Camp-and-day-trip strategy: RVers often base at designated RV parks and make day trips to the islands. Mountain Lake Campground on Orcas Island has some RV accessibility with "a lookout tower that resembles a castle. From here you get one of the most spectacular views of the San Juan Islands," notes Rich M.
Weather considerations: RV travelers should prepare for changing conditions. Kaysha R. shares her experience at Mountain Lake: "We were soaked the entire time - granted we were fully expecting that going in February... We brought all the rain gear."
