RV campgrounds around Custer, Washington sit within the lush Whatcom County landscape, where tall evergreens border the Salish Sea coastline. The area experiences mild summers with average temperatures in the 70s and wet winters, making May through October the optimal camping season. Many parks in this region maintain seasonal operations with limited winter availability.
What to do
Beach activities at Birch Bay: The shallow, warm waters at Birch Bay make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. Beachside RV Park sits directly across from this popular recreation area. As one camper noted, "Quiet in town and on the unbelievably warm waters of the shallow Birch Bay just across the street... Lots of places to walk and bike to. Kayaking? That, too, of course."
Mini golf and sunset walks: Recreation options extend beyond water activities at some RV parks. Thousand Trails La Conner offers on-site entertainment with "mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing," according to a recent visitor.
Day trips to cascades: The area serves as a convenient base for mountain adventures. A camper at Thousand Trails Mount Vernon shared, "We took a day trip to the cascades," highlighting the accessibility to mountain recreation from local RV parks.
What campers like
Private wooded settings: Many campers appreciate parks with natural separation between sites. At The Cedars RV Resort, "There are trees between every camp spot to add privacy" and "I love the hedges between spots so you're not eating lunch at the table, staring at your neighbors sewer hose and power box."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper priority lists. A visitor to The Cedars RV Resort emphasized that "the restrooms are clean and the showers are free," while another mentioned the "super clean restrooms."
Location convenience: Many campgrounds offer strategic positioning for both outdoor adventures and urban access. One camper at Beachside RV Park appreciated that "We were able to see some Canadian family in Blaine, while the border was closed, and stay nearby."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some parks limit their availability during winter months. Friday Creek Campground operates "Only open May-Oct!" according to visitor reviews, making advance planning essential for shoulder-season trips.
Variable site sizing: Space between sites varies significantly between and within parks. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, "2 phases for RVs - 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."
Facility maintenance issues: Some parks struggle with upkeep during busy periods. A camper at Beachside RV Park observed, "The bathrooms were clean over the weekend and then the camp host I think gave up as they were not cleaned at all the week following."
Utility limitations: Sewer connections and dump stations may have restricted availability. A visitor to Thousand Trails La Conner warned, "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Swimming options provide entertainment for younger campers. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, "Our nephews came to visit and enjoyed the pool and small nature trails around camp."
On-site activities: Look for parks with built-in recreation options. Thousand Trails La Conner offers family-friendly amenities as one camper noted, "Bathrooms are kept clean, mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing."
Bathroom privacy: Individual bathroom facilities can make family camping more comfortable. At Thousand Trails Birch Bay, "Bathrooms/showers are single rooms not shared, very private and sparkling clean!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers report relatively level sites at some parks. Norwest RV Park was described as having "Small spaces but they are level and the price is right!"
Big rig access: Several parks accommodate larger RVs, but access can be challenging. At Thousand Trails Mount Vernon, "There are a few hills that might be a problem for larger Class A's with a trailer."
Reservation strategies: Busy season requires advance planning. Bellingham RV Park visitors recommend "Advanced reservations are highly recommended" while another noted its "convenient location" near the Bellingham airport.
