Tent campsites near Lynden, Washington range from primitive backcountry sites to boat-access island camping in the San Juan Islands. Located in Whatcom County near the Canadian border, camping options vary in terrain from forested lakeside spots to marine shorelines. Most primitive sites require proper preparation including water filtration systems, while established campgrounds typically offer basic amenities with seasonal fire restrictions during summer months.
What to do
Hiking on Mount Constitution: Explore trails near Moran State Park on Orcas Island, which features "miles of hiking trails that lead to the highest point in the San Juans, Mt Constitution. One of the most incredible views I have ever seen in the PNW," according to one camper.
Swimming and fishing: Several lake campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities. At Moran State Park, visitors enjoy "Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump," and many sites have "campgrounds throughout the park and most of the campsites seem to be right along the water and shady."
Explore old-growth forests: Discover untouched ecosystems at Rolfe Cove Campground on Matia Island. A visitor notes the island "is a wildlife refuge and not owned by the state parks so it is almost entirely untouched. There's a single mile-long hiking trail through an old growth forest that, unlike other islands, wasn't destroyed by the settler loggers."
Island exploration: San Juan Island camping offers unique experiences for kayakers and boaters. At Clark Island Marine State Park, one camper reported "an evening of humpback whales blowing in the channel to the east of me" while solo camping.
What campers like
Remote island experiences: San Juan Island campsites provide solitude despite being accessible only by boat. A camper at Clark Island notes: "Despite its location, Clark can be noisy as it is right on a major shipping channel and a nearby major railway hosts oil and coal trails 24/7. Still the short hikes, wildlife viewing options, etc. make it worth it."
Scenic lake views: Many tent sites offer water views. At Lily and Lizard Lakes, "All the sites had a fire ring, bench and a flat area to set up your tent. The hike up is pretty easy but the only water source is from the lakes which is not the cleanest water so bring a good filter."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife. A camper at Moran State Park reported, "We got to see an otter at Cascade Lake," while island campsites frequently allow for marine mammal sightings.
Low-cost options: Many tent camping areas near Lynden are free or low-cost. Lily and Lizard Lakes provide free camping with a permit, while sites like Hidden Meadow Retreat offer reasonable rates compared to developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive camping areas have minimal amenities. At Hidden Meadow Retreat, "They have a compost toilet for use in the meadow, hidden behind a row of trees, where, after using the toilet, you dump sawdust in to make it fresh. There is fresh water at the log cabin by the main house, so it is a bit of a walk."
Reservation challenges: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. For Moran State Park, one camper noted, "We reserved our spot 6 months ahead of time (It took us weeks of early mornings in October to get a spot)."
Access limitations: Many tent sites require significant effort to reach. Cedar Lake Campsite features "a high hike. Straight up. There are two sites. One north and one south of the lake. A few good level sites and some built in benches."
Seasonal crowds: Some campgrounds become very busy despite remote locations. A Moran State Park camper warned, "While there are only 12 spots, everybody is on top of each other and you can hear and see everything everybody is doing."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For family camping, select locations with easier access. At Norwest RV Park, "Small spaces but they are level and the price is right!" making it suitable for families looking for convenient amenities.
Plan for weather variation: Weather can change quickly in the region. At Moran State Park, one camper reported being "soaked the entire time - granted we were fully expecting that going in February - for Valentine's Day no less. We brought all the rain gear."
Consider marine parks: Island camping offers unique family experiences. Clark Island Marine State Park features "newer bath facilities, great swimming and large beach," although campers should prepare for "heavy mosquitos" not typically found at other San Juan Islands sites.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound but require preparation. Multiple campers report deer, otter, and marine mammal sightings, making these sites excellent for nature education.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many tent campsites near Lynden cannot accommodate larger vehicles. At Hidden Meadow Retreat, "You have to drive down a dirt road straight back through the property and over a quaint bridge to the meadow," limiting access for large RVs.
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive camping areas have no hookups. Campers should plan for self-contained operation with sufficient water and power reserves.
Consider ferry logistics: For San Juan Island camping, ferry schedules and size restrictions apply. Advance planning is essential for RVs, particularly during peak summer months when ferries fill quickly.
