Best Campgrounds near Bellingham, WA

Bellingham in Washington gives campers plenty of good options for outdoor trips. Birch Bay State Park Campground sits about 17 miles from town and has a nice sandy shoreline with good views across the bay. You'll find decent-sized sites here with tables and fire rings that work well for families. Swift Creek Campground is a bit more tucked back in the woods around Bellingham. The trees provide good shade and the sites feel private, which makes it quiet compared to busier areas. Both places have bathrooms and drinking water so you won't be roughing it too much. Late spring through summer tends to be the best time to camp here when it's not too hot or cold. The fall colors are really nice too if you don't mind cooler weather. Winter camping works if you're prepared for rain and cold. Larrabee State Park is worth checking out while you're in the area - it has some good trails and you can see across the Puget Sound from there. Bellingham town has restaurants and stores if you need supplies or want to take a break from camp cooking. Just make sure to look up any closures before you head out, especially in off-seasons. The Bellingham area works well whether you're in a tent or bringing an RV.

Best Camping Sites Near Bellingham, Washington (248)

    1. Larrabee State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Bellingham, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 676-2093

    "We have not camped at Larabee State Park, but we did scope it out during a recent visit to Bellingham. Here’s what we saw:

    -Great newer looking playground for kids: bonus for families!"

    "Larrabee State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located on Samish Bay, six miles (10 km) south of the city of Bellingham, Washington."

    2. Deception Pass State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / night

    "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."

    3. Birch Bay State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Blaine, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    "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!"

    4. Bay View State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 757-0227

    $12 - $75 / night

    "Our spot backed up to beautiful trees and was nicely situated to not feel crowded."

    "Beach walks and a county path nearby. There is also a marine center with small aquarium nearby."

    5. Lynden-Bellingham KOA

    13 Reviews
    Lynden, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 354-4772

    "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!"

    6. Oostema Farmstead

    8 Reviews
    Lynden, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 815-1494

    $35 - $65 / night

    "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...."

    "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. "

    7. Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping

    3 Reviews
    Bellingham, WA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Close to Bellingham, no bay views but nice scenery, little lake, and dense forest nonetheless. Good steep trails nearby and charming boardwalks."

    "Steep but short hike, but hey, it's close to town! A 15 minute drive from downtown Bellingham and you get yourself a secluded, quiet lake."

    8. Burlington-Anacortes KOA

    10 Reviews
    Bow, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 724-5511

    "There is a creek that goes by the campground and it makes it for a nice walk with dogs or without dogs :) There are a lot of trees there, which provide shade for part of the day, which is great."

    "Large sites are surrounded by woods and farmland. This is a great weekend getaway."

    9. Midway Campground — Moran State Park

    15 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    $12 - $45 / night

    "I was able to snag one of the amazing sites on the lake. It sits down from the road and an embankment so there is a level of privacy from the road, but not your neighboring sites."

    "It’s right above the main road and a freshwater lake. It’s pretty steep, sprained my ankle right before the trip. They were very helpful at the entrance and gave me a lower site."

    10. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park

    12 Reviews
    Olga, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 376-2326

    "There are great hikes all around, we walked around the lake and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around."

    "Situated on a small peninsula on gorgeous mountain lake. Great fishing and kayaking. Hiking trail right outside you your campsite. Put toilet only, no room for RV’s or campers."

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Recent Reviews near Bellingham, WA

946 Reviews of 248 Bellingham Campgrounds


  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Stayed here for another night after our week up on the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Besides a vagrant issue in the neighboring site (which was handled by hosts and rangers the next morning), our stay was pleasant enough for traveling through.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Silver Lake Park

    Silver Lake Park - Maple Creek Campground

    I'm really impressed by this campground! County campgrounds can be hit or miss, but this one was great! It's very well maintained--I noticed the maintenance crew and park staff were always cleaning, mowing, and doing whatever tasks around the campground on a daily basis. There was enough trees and shrubs between sites so it didn't feel like you're on top of one another. Restrooms and showers were clean. Cell service was very spotty, but present. A bit better with a phone booster. Stayed 6 nights. There's a laundromat in Maple Falls if needed (although it's quite expensive!) North Fork Brewery a few miles south of town has delicious pizza. This campground is about an hour away from Heather Meadows/Artist Point, so it is a bit of a drive if you're doing any hiking that way. Would stay again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Camping

    Nice after a day in North Cascades National Park

    Pretty small and quiet campground. Great views. The bathrooms are clean, but the showers are tiny, and not great for tall or chubby people.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shaw Island County Park

    Uneven ground

    The camping spots are quiet but uneven. The park ranger is very friendly.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful, but somehow also crowded

    Spots are not near each other so you get privacy that way. A lot of through traffic because of the hikes nearby and the sites are right on the road. A TON of mosquitos so bring your spray!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    NF 33 Dispersed Camping

    NF 33 Dispersed Camping

    A handful of dispersed sites along this national forest road. A couple sites are near the river/creek, but most are just off the road. Not great, but nice in a pinch or if you're looking to hike the Cougar Divide at the end of this road. The road does get much rougher the further you go, so not big-rig friendly nor for low-clearance vehicles or vehicles with bald/old tires. No amenities nor cell service.

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Beach with panoramic Bay views

    Lovely beach with panoramic view of the bay, a short hike away. Friendly people. Good facilities. Fire risk high so no wood or charcoal fires.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Rhododendron Campground

    Rhododendron Park & Campground

    Currently $15/night. Beautiful wooded area with space between most sites. A couple Port-O-Potties and garbage cans. Half occupied or less on a Wednesday night. Next to a dog kennel or shelter, so there was quite a bit of barking when we arrived late afternoon, but was quiet when they were put in for the evening/night. Military jets flew back and forth for an hour starting at 8PM--these aren't normal airplane sounds. It's frighteningly LOUD. For a solid hour. Very faint road noise in the morning. So basically, don't expect peace and quiet if you visit... but it's a nice, cheap spot for a quick overnight while traveling through.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Had a nice, quick stay. Quiet, clean restrooms, hot shower, and good cell service--everything I wanted after a full day of hiking near Mount Baker.


Guide to Bellingham

Camping near Bellingham, WA, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Deception Pass State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to see Deception Pass Bridge is awesome," making it a must-do for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Birch Bay State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Short walk to an amazing beach," perfect for a day of sun and fun.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Rasar State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great trails in and near this park... watching birds if you like any of these activities."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Larrabee State Park Campground said, "Clean grounds and bathrooms," which is always a plus.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful park rangers. One camper at Moran State Park - Midway mentioned, "The park rangers were very friendly and helpful."
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the sense of seclusion at spots like Swift Creek Campground. A reviewer stated, "Most sites are reasonably private," making it a great choice for those seeking peace.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, "Road noise, train noise, and light noise from the RV pull-thru sites," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Site Size: Campsites can vary in size. One camper at Bay View State Park Campground noted, "Site is small... it only can fit one," so check the details before booking.
  • Reservation Issues: Be aware that some campgrounds have limited office hours for reservations. A visitor at Lynden-Bellingham KOA mentioned, "The ranger office is only open from 2-4," which can lead to confusion.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking and swimming options. A family at Rasar State Park Campground enjoyed, "The playground is an easy walk from all sites."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with clean facilities and good supervision. One camper at Birch Bay State Park Campground felt safe enough to camp solo, saying, "Cozy, safe, easy to navigate."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A visitor at Moran State Park - Mountain Lake mentioned, "A group of mountain bikers... stayed up until midnight," so consider timing your stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Deception Pass State Park Campground appreciated the "electric hookups," which made their stay more comfortable.
  • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. One RV traveler at Bay View State Park Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms, enough space between vehicles," which is ideal for RV camping.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Larrabee State Park Campground enjoyed being "an easy drive to La Conner and Deception Pass," making it easy to explore the area.

Camping near Bellingham, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Bellingham campgrounds?

Swift Creek Campground provides excellent access to Northern Cascades hiking trails with beautiful scenery. This makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the wilderness. Oostema Farmstead offers grassy sites with updated hookups, picnic tables, and level camping areas. They also sell meat from their grass-fed cattle for a farm-to-table experience. Many campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like running water and restrooms. Some locations offer coin-operated showers, playground equipment for children, and proximity to beaches. Amenities vary by campground, with more developed sites providing electric hookups, while primitive sites focus on natural surroundings with fewer facilities but more seclusion.

Where are the best camping locations near Bellingham, Washington?

Bellingham offers excellent camping options for nature lovers. Larrabee State Park Campground is located on Samish Bay just 6 miles south of Bellingham, offering fishing, boating, mountain trails for hiking and biking across its 2,683 acres. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping provides a tranquil setting close to Bellingham with scenic trails, charming boardwalks, and sites surrounded by dense forest with lake views. Other notable options include Swift Creek Campground with its great access to Northern Cascades trails, and Oostema Farmstead which offers pastoral views over raspberry fields. Each location provides unique experiences, from oceanfront settings to mountain vistas.

Are there oceanfront camping options in the Bellingham area?

Larrabee State Park Campground offers prime oceanfront camping on Samish Bay just south of Bellingham. The park features a charming beach with beautiful views, clean grounds, and bathroom facilities with coin-operated showers. Campers can enjoy quick access to both the beach and local amenities in Bellingham. The waterfront location provides an ideal setting where the mountains meet the sea, though be prepared for occasional train noise as tracks run near the campground. For additional oceanfront options, Bay View State Park Campground near Mount Vernon offers drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. These coastal campgrounds provide stunning sunset views and water recreation opportunities while still maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.

Is RV camping available near Bellingham, WA?

Yes, RV camping is readily available near Bellingham. Bellingham RV Park is a dedicated RV-only facility with straightforward parking spots, convenient location near the Canadian border, and proximity to gas stations and the Bellingham Airport. The park features a lodge with laundry facilities and showers, and advanced reservations are highly recommended. No tent camping is available at this location. For those seeking alternatives, Birch Bay State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilet facilities. Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, though it's worth noting that at certain locations like Larrabee State Park, power may be shut off at specific hours. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.