Best Campgrounds near Burlington, WA
Campgrounds near Burlington, Washington range from state parks to private resorts, with several options located along the Skagit River and Puget Sound coastline. Deception Pass State Park, approximately 20 miles west of Burlington, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with access to both freshwater and saltwater beaches. The Burlington-Anacortes KOA provides full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals directly in Burlington, while Bay View State Park and Larrabee State Park offer additional developed campground options within a 30-minute drive.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cool, wet conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. "Most sites are reasonably private, water spigots and bathrooms are not too far of a walk from any site," noted one visitor about Swift Creek Campground. Deception Pass State Park experiences significant traffic during peak season, particularly on weekends from May through September. Several campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though amenities vary by location. Cell service can be limited at more remote sites, particularly those in forested areas or near the mountains.
The region's campgrounds feature diverse settings from coastal beaches to forested mountain foothills. Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings, with sites along Puget Sound offering views of the San Juan Islands. A camper at Deception Pass described it as having "both fresh and salt water experiences within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views." Sites at Bay View State Park provide water views but some visitors note they can be "small campsites with picnic tables, pit toilets and potable water." Noise from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island affects some campgrounds, particularly Deception Pass, where jets can occasionally disrupt the otherwise peaceful setting. Campgrounds closer to Mount Baker offer more seclusion but require longer drives from Burlington, trading convenience for wilderness immersion.
