208 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The northwestern corner of Washington state surrounding Custer offers diverse camping experiences within a short drive of the Canadian border. State parks dominate the landscape, with Birch Bay State Park and Larrabee State Park providing year-round access to both saltwater beaches and forest settings. Private options range from working farms like Oostema Farmstead to full-service RV resorts such as Lynden-Bellingham KOA and The Cedars RV Resort. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort while exploring the coastal and mountain landscapes.
Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds throughout Whatcom County reach capacity quickly. As one camper noted, "Whatcom County has a lot of campgrounds, but they are booked up all summer long." Weather patterns vary significantly by season, with mild but wet conditions common from October through May. Coastal campgrounds like those at Birch Bay experience strong winds at times, while inland sites offer more protection. Cell service can be limited in rural areas, particularly near the Canadian border. Noise considerations include passing trains at Larrabee State Park and occasional highway sounds at campgrounds near major roads.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. "Short walk to an amazing beach," reports one Birch Bay visitor, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere of coastal campgrounds. Inland sites often feature lake or river access, with swimming areas that appeal to families with children. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds and even within the same park. Larrabee State Park offers walk-in sites with better privacy than drive-up locations, while Birch Bay provides shaded sites with varying levels of seclusion. Wildlife viewing opportunities include eagles, seals, and sea otters at coastal locations, particularly at Deception Pass State Park slightly south of the immediate Custer area. Winter camping remains available but requires preparation for consistently wet conditions.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"Larrabee State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located on Samish Bay, six miles (10 km) south of the city of Bellingham, Washington."
"There is a train very close to the campground! It didn't bother us, but some might find that useful. We stayed 1 night here. It was pretty nice."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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...."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We were able to see some Canadian family in Blaine, while the border was closed, and stay nearby. Great area with Birch Bay just across the street."
"Lots of places to walk and bike to. Kayaking? That, too, of course."
"Our nephews came to visit and enjoyed the pool and small nature trails around camp. There is a lot to do around town all within biking distance. We paddle boarding in the bays!!"
"Nice place, friendly staff best Thousand Trails so far."
"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 - $144 / night
Check Availability"I rented a long term space here for over 2 years while working in Washington. Price was by far the best around. It's a very good sized place with spaces to accommodate even the largest trailers."
Scout10 out of 15 sites were available on Labor Day weekend Saturday at 4pm. No reservations - it's just show up, put $15 cash in the box, and claim your campsite. Perfectly adequate car camping with a picnic table, fire circle, and access to pit toilets.
you can still hear road noise from the main road, and barking dogs in the morning from a nearby dog sanctuary. Beautiful rhododendron brush covers the space between sites.
ScoutThe Navy carrier jets train out here, for hours on end, you can’t hear someone next to you speak when they’re overhead, and it’s one after another. To top it off, some dipsh@t did the grand finale flight of the evening, around 11:30 PM, so low over the campground they lit up the inside of the tent.
Without the jets, this would be a great spot. Beautiful scenery, plenty of trails and beaches, well kept, but the constant interruption of any moment of peace makes it worthless unless you’re deaf and don’t mind the ground vibrating routinely when they fly over.
LegendWe were coming off Orcas Island on a later ferry and wanted a “known” place to stay. This is a shared KOA/Thousand Trails site. It is situated amongst large Cedars so sites are pretty dark. Gravel roads and sites. Older bathrooms that don’t seem too clean. KOA amenities like a pool/hot tub, kids playground and dog area. Just feels tired and not too upscale. If it were full it would feel crowded. Updated from 3 to 4 stars. There is a second bathroom building which is much newer and has modern showers and fixtures. It also seemed cleaner.
GuideThe county redid an older CG about 6 years ago (?), and they did a beautiful job throughout. The roads and driveways are all asphalt, the spaces mostly large, and depending on the site, have nice privacy. The bathroom facility is beautifully done.
Maple Creek CG part of the 3 CG park is the best for the rv crowd with water/electricity, and a dump station. There are a number of trails taking walkers to the beach area having lots of grass, boat rentals, and trails connecting to the other two CG’s.
We don’t get cell coverage (Verizon or AT&T), so we now bring the Starlink Mini beginning in 2025.
And we love the beautiful trees, not too dense, allowing sunshine coming in. We used to tent, have a 27’ Airstream nowadays, but this CG is like a beautiful USFS experience.
GuideBehind the small well kept store is the lawned campground for tenters, or RVs. The flat area is well kept grass on the shoreline of Lake Erie and has a dock. New orange tables for each site. Looming across the road is wonderful Mt. Erie and the Anacortes Community Forest Lands with many trails for all levels. Trail maps online, and one can connect to a trail just walking a short bit. Mt Erie has a gorgeous view of the San Juans, Whidbey Island, Olympics, Cascades and eagles flying by. The south face has many rock climbs for all levels, even at least one 5.13! A noted area for newbies trying rock climbing, with someone to assist.
There are basically no trees, but with the grass and sunshine, wonderful. Downtown Anacortes is about 10 minutes away. Scenic Deception Pass to Whidbey Island less than that, or a nearby trail makes a scenic hike to the bridge. A great place to explore so many things.
GuideVery nice campground located within the state park. Sites can be a little tight! Bathroom and showers were very well kept!
TravelerA big open gravel pull out about the size of a football field maybe. It’s used as a Sno-Park in the winter and has a couple trailheads in the back. A couple cars pulled down the FS road labeled “ski” in the back so there may be more private sites down that road, but I don’t know firsthand.
LegendDeception Pass State Park is an incredible place to camp. The scenery and hikes have a wow factor. We enjoy the smaller Quarry Pond side. Great facilities. Wonderful campground.
TravelerIn the middle of everything! But quiet! The I-5 off ramp easy.
High end site; great for families w/small pool & hot tub. Restaurant on site was super good! High-quality ingredients crafted with care.
The site is designed with sunrises and sunsets in mind.
Camping sites near Custer, Washington offer unique coastal experiences with elevation ranging from sea level to 250 feet along the Strait of Georgia shoreline. The region experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F during camping season while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to the low 30s. Several campgrounds provide waterfront access with varying levels of protection from prevailing northwest winds.
Shell fishing opportunities: At Birch Bay State Park, campers can harvest shellfish during appropriate seasons with proper licensing. "Don't forget your Shellfish license and hit those beaches at low tide, because dinner is going to be delicious!" advises Dani H. The park provides beach access for clamming and crabbing activities.
Paddle sports: The protected waters of Birch Bay create ideal conditions for kayaking and paddleboarding with rental options available seasonally. "We paddle boarding in the bays!! Great blues bands in town," reports Kathe M. from Beachside RV Park.
Mountain hiking: For more elevation gain, Mount Constitution in Moran State Park offers trails with panoramic island views. "We camped on a lake that had easy trailhead access to the peak of Mt. Constitution, a easy/moderate hike with excellent views. At the summit there is a tower with information on the natural and human history of the island," notes Matthew G.
Rural farm experience: Oostema Farmstead provides a working farm atmosphere with livestock and vegetable gardens. "This is a working farm with beef cattle and an extensive garden. I opted to pay $3 to fill a basket from the garden and my yield included tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and fresh herbs," shares Lee D. Many campers appreciate the connection to local agriculture.
Beach sunsets: Birch Bay locations offer prime sunset viewing opportunities over the Strait of Georgia. "If you're the type that loves walks along the beach and breath taking sunsets... Brich Bay State Park is the place to be!" explains Brandon M. Evening colors reflected on calm waters create memorable camping experiences.
Wildlife viewing: Raccoons and marine wildlife frequent many campgrounds in the region. "Nice campground with great views of the water. Just be aware that it has some nosy raccoon residents who feel very comfortable coming right up to camp to investigate your food situation," warns one Larrabee State Park visitor.
Train noise considerations: Larrabee State Park experiences frequent train traffic throughout the day and night. "There is however, a train that runs right by the campground and it is loud!" cautions Danielle S. First-time campers should consider bringing earplugs if train noise might disrupt sleep patterns.
Site selection at RV parks: At The Cedars RV Resort, vegetation provides visual barriers between sites. "I love the hedges between spots so you're not eating lunch at the table, staring at your neighbors sewer hose and power box," notes Kathy A. These privacy features distinguish certain RV sites from more open layouts.
Tent camping limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent campers equally. "If you are camping with a trailer or motorhome, this place is great but it is not for tent campers. I was surprised to learn when I checked in that there are no actual designated tent sites, just a big open grassy area with picnic tables and fire rings," reports Laura Beth N. about The Cedars RV Resort.
Playground access: Lynden-Bellingham KOA offers dedicated play areas for children within secure camping grounds. "The lynden KOA is a small piece of camping paradise in the heart of lynden, kids can ride their bikes and fish and parents don't have to worry," notes Jesse C. These facilities provide contained recreation for various age groups.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with gentle water entry points. "Went hiking twice, and loved every second of it. As you can see from my pictures, flowers were in full bloom and were absolutely gorgeous," describes Melani T. about Deception Pass State Park.
Educational opportunities: Working farms in the area introduce children to agricultural practices and animals. "Lisa gave us a tour and let our children pet/feed the cows, goat, and pig. The kids loved it!!" shares Christina B. about their Oostema Farmstead experience.
Site levelness variance: RV campers should request information about site grade before arrival. "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," warns Jason W. from Larrabee State Park. Bringing additional leveling equipment is recommended.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric and sewer connections book quickly during summer months. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the front of the park. Campsites are gorgeous and relaxing!!" shares Ben C. about Birch Bay State Park.
Spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and proximity to neighbors. "We like that there isn't rows of RVs and Trailers stacked on top of each other, you have space to wonder and spread out," explains Christina B. about Oostema Farmstead. This spacing factor significantly affects camping experience quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Custer, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Custer, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 208 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer, WA and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Custer, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Custer, WA is Birch Bay State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Custer, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Custer, WA.
Keep Exploring
