Ferndale camping areas range from wooded waterfront to open farmland settings. The region experiences moderate coastal precipitation with average summer temperatures of 70-75°F and winter lows around 30-35°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round due to minimal snowfall at the low elevation of 70 feet above sea level.
What to do
Shellfish harvesting at Birch Bay: From June through September, campers can collect clams and crab at low tide with proper shellfish license. "This has to be one of my all time favorite places for Shell Fishing and Crabbing! Don't forget your Shellfish license and hit those beaches at low tide, because dinner is going to be delicious!" notes a visitor at Birch Bay State Park Campground.
Visit Mount Constitution: Drive 45 miles southeast to Orcas Island's highest point for panoramic island views. "If you follow the road up to Mt. Constitution, there is a lookout tower that resembles a castle. From here you get one of the most spectacular views of the San Juan Islands," explains a camper at Mountain Lake Campground.
Paddle on Mountain Lake: Rent kayaks at Moran State Park or bring your own to explore the serene mountain waters. "Great fishing and kayaking. Hiking trail right outside your campsite," reports a visitor about the small peninsula campground on the lake.
What campers like
Beachcombing opportunities: The shoreline offers rocky beaches with abundant driftwood and marine life viewing. "Campsites are gorgeous and relaxing! Big trees. Lots of foliage. Hiking trails to beach! Beach is gorgeous - rocks, driftwood, sunsets, and water is a little bit cold!" mentions a visitor at Birch Bay State Park.
Farm experiences: Some campgrounds offer unique agricultural settings where campers can interact with livestock. "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 a camper at Oostema Farmstead.
Privacy landscaping: Several RV parks in the area provide vegetation 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 a reviewer about The Cedars RV Resort.
What you should know
Train noise impacts some campgrounds: Proximity to rail lines affects sleep quality at certain locations. "Lovely area and views. We visited in the winter, so it was quiet. Downside was the trains barreling through all night. Could barely sleep with earplugs," cautions a camper at Larrabee State Park.
Jet noise from naval operations: Military flights occur regularly near some campgrounds. "Fighter jet noise on a Monday morning during our stay. Be prepared for rain," warns a visitor to Deception Pass State Park.
Limited tent camping facilities: Several parks cater primarily to RV camping with few dedicated tent sites. "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," explains a tent camper about The Cedars RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children within easy walking distance of campsites. "We stayed during Memorial weekend and had a blast! With young children we loved that Larrabee had a playground area and easy access to the beach," shares a family who camped at Larrabee State Park.
Swimming options: Shallow shorelines provide safer water access for young children. "We set up camp and had our dinner on the beach to watch an incredible sunset! Our drive-up site was great, well maintained with bathrooms nearby," mentions a visitor to Birch Bay State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "Great amenities through summer," notes a camper about Lynden-Bellingham KOA, which offers "Swimming pool, mini golf, arcade games, paddle boats. Lots of trees and shade!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have sloped sites requiring additional equipment. "The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground. When I went to leave and dump our trailer at our site I had to pull the trailer forward so the waste would flow because the site is so unlevel," reports an RV camper at Larrabee State Park.
Hedge privacy: Select RV parks offer natural screening between sites. "There are trees between every camp spot to add privacy. Best part is that the restrooms are clean and the showers are free. There is a store and a laundry also on site," explains a visitor to The Cedars RV Resort.
Park accessibility: Some campgrounds have tight internal roads requiring careful navigation. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the front of the park," shares an RV owner with a 30-foot travel trailer at Birch Bay State Park.
