Camping near Lynden, Washington offers visitors access to both mountain and coastal recreation within short driving distances. The area sits at the northern edge of the Puget Sound lowlands with elevations around 100 feet, experiencing mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. Winter campers should prepare for average low temperatures around 35°F, while summer daytime highs typically reach 70-75°F.
What to do
Shellfish harvesting opportunities: Silver Lake Park has exceptional crabbing and clamming access. "This has to be one of my all time favorite places for Shell Fishing and Crabbing! Dont forget your Shellfish license and hit those beaches at low tide, because dinner is going to be delicious!" notes one visitor to Birch Bay State Park Campground.
Sunset viewing: The coastal locations provide remarkable sunset views across the water. "If you're the type that loves walks along the beach and breath taking sunsets... Brich Bay State Park is the place to be!" shares a camper. Another notes, "We set up camp and had our dinner on the beach to watch an incredible sunset!"
Freshwater recreation: Several campgrounds feature lake access for swimming and boating. At Silver Lake Park, "There is great fishing, boats you can rent, life jackets you can borrow." Another visitor mentions, "Easy boat launch access! And we do camp there a couple times a year we love the camp site layouts and availability."
What campers like
Farm-based camping experiences: The working farm environment at Oostema Farmstead provides a unique agricultural camping experience. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to interact with farm animals: "Lisa gave us a tour and let our children pet/feed the cows, goat, and pig. The kids loved it!" One camper notes, "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."
Water access: Many sites provide convenient beach or lake access. At Deception Pass State Park Campground, "There are trails everywhere from the campsites, but most importantly down to the beach and Cranberry Lake." Another visitor mentions, "Great lake access for fishing as well. Easy access for our kayak."
Clean facilities: The standard of cleanliness ranks high among campers' priorities. One camper at Silver Lake Park noted, "The cleanest restrooms and showers that I have ever experienced camping." At The Cedars RV Resort, visitors appreciate the "Super clean restrooms. Big pool."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railway disruption. At Larrabee State Park, "There is however, a train that runs right by the campground and it is loud!" Another camper confirms, "Downside was the trains barreling through all night. Could barely sleep with earplugs."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Lynden fill quickly during peak season. For Oostema Farmstead, "They book up fast so plan your trip early," advises one camper. Spontaneous camping is more feasible at less popular times or in less developed campgrounds.
Varying privacy levels: Site layout and separation differs significantly between campgrounds. "Most sites aren't very private. The bathrooms were so clean though," notes a Birch Bay visitor. Another mentions, "The lots are pretty close together but it has everything you need."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to children with playgrounds and activities. At Larrabee State Park, visitors note, "Great newer looking playground for kids: bonus for families!" The Lynden-Bellingham KOA receives praise as "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."
Shallow water swimming: Families with young children appreciate safe swimming areas. At Deception Pass, "Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos."
Recreational facilities: Many campgrounds provide additional entertainment options. The Lynden KOA offers "Great Amenities... Swimming pool, mini golf, arcade games, paddle boats. Lots of trees and shade!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present leveling difficulties for larger rigs. At Larrabee State Park, one RVer noted, "The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground."
Hedges for privacy: Strategic vegetation between sites enhances the RV camping experience at certain campgrounds. The Cedars RV Resort features "hedges between spots so you're not eating lunch at the table, staring at your neighbors sewer hose and power box."
Hookup placement: Position of utilities can affect dumping procedures. "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," reported one camper at Larrabee State Park.
