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Campgrounds near Bellingham provide options along the Puget Sound coastline and inland forest areas. Larrabee State Park Campground, located on Samish Bay about six miles south of Bellingham, offers both tent and RV camping with hookups in a forested setting near the shoreline. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping provides hike-in tent sites accessible by trail. The region includes several state parks with cabins and developed facilities, including Birch Bay State Park north of the city and Deception Pass State Park to the south. KOA campgrounds in Lynden and Burlington supplement these public lands with additional amenities for RV travelers.
Many campgrounds in the Bellingham area require advance reservations, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. Larrabee State Park and other developed facilities typically offer amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, while primitive sites at locations like Pine and Cedar Lakes have minimal infrastructure. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rain and cool temperatures. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate throughout the year, providing camping opportunities regardless of season. A recent review noted that "Clean campground in the rainforest along Chuckanut Drive...While it's a beautiful forest campground, the campsites are pretty close together and not very private."
Noise from passing trains represents a common issue at Larrabee State Park, with several visitors mentioning the disruption in reviews. According to one camper, "The trains aren't kidding. They are loud and they are all night." Campsites at Pine and Cedar Lakes provide a more secluded experience, requiring a "steep but short hike" to reach the primitive camping areas. These lakeside sites offer greater solitude but lack facilities. Beach access represents a highlight at coastal campgrounds, with tide pools and shoreline exploration opportunities at Larrabee State Park. Proximity to mountain biking and hiking trails adds recreational value to many of the campgrounds in the region, particularly those along Chuckanut Drive. The combination of coastal and forest settings gives Bellingham-area campgrounds distinct character compared to other camping regions in Washington.
"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."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $167 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $12 - $113 / night
Check Availability"Beach walks and a county path nearby. There is also a marine center with small aquarium nearby."
"Our spot backed up to beautiful trees and was nicely situated to not feel crowded."
from $12 - $99 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"There are several back in spots around the perimeter with a bit more room (length). There are spaces with sufficient width for tip outs and those without."
"Flew in to the Bellingham airport, picked up a vehicle and arrived at Bellingham RV Park at about dusk (if you can't tell from the photos). Registration process was super-easy."
"Cute RV-only park not far from the Canadian border. Parking spots are pretty straight-forward, as it’s just a lot for RVs. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. No tent camping available."
ScoutIt was beautiful at Quary pond, but we had to move sites every day fue to others reservations that didn't even show up and the Rangers, were very persistent about is moving sites fast and that was exhausting work got myself at the age of ,62andy husband 64,other than that it was beautiful,,!
TravelerAmazing spot. Would have rated it a 5 but it was not dispersed. From Mid May- Mid September this place is a FS FEE area. $27 a day/ $12 for any extra vehicles.
However I would pay to go to this spot during the hotter summer months. Decent spacing between sites, and has multiple lake entrances for kayaking, swimming, etc.
GuideThis was a bit tenuous getting in with our 21’ RV, but at the end of the road there was a turnaround and a couple sites left with a late arrival. Nice listening to the river as we went to sleep. Not a ton of clearance from the narrow road though.
ScoutWe love this place — and it’s only 9 miles from home! Been there three times in the last two years. Headed there again this fall. It’s just everything a Western Washington campground should be. Waterside, properly separated sites, activities nearby.
GuideReally good spot, got here around 1030 or 1100 and all the spots were taking but found a really good spot up the FS road. Easy access but wouldn’t pull a camper up here. I’m in a Land Cruiser with RTT.
RangerIt's hard to believe that this is actually a KOA Journey facility. This is really more in line with a nice Holiday or a low end Resort center.
There's a pool, miniature golf, volleyball, playground, two lakes lots of shade and grassy areas. Additionally there is a game room and arcade a snack bar and assorted areas to Lounge.
Please take a look at my pictures as a picture is worth at least a thousand words.
TravelerGreat camp sites; beautiful. Clean restrooms and a really nice laundry area. Unfortunately, wifi only works in some of the sites., otherwise there is no wifi. No big deal. We just used our hotspot. Otherwise a perfect spot to camp. Bonus: they have a weight room. Echo bike, rower, and dumbbells up to 25 lbs. What else do you need. They also have a cable machine with a chin up bar, plus a treadmill and a sit bike, and one of those step optical machine. Nice gym
GuideStayed two weeks here. Pretty standard all around. It's nice and quite. Restrooms and showers were well maintained. Camp host tried to pull a fast one on me and up charge for fire wood about 5 mins after I pulled into the campground but other than that it was a nice and pleasant stay.
GuideThis little campground is a great option for seeing another island in the San Juans by human power. They have great hiker/biker/kayaker spots. I stayed here twice, once with my partner and once solo. The island is quite small and great for a ride around after setting up camp. There is a small beach at the campground and local shop by the ferry in town. This is the easiest spot for camping by bicycle with children as it's so close to the ferry terminal. I felt safe camping solo here right after Labor Day even though it was fairly quiet.
Camping near Bellingham offers diverse lakeside and forest camping experiences within a short drive from the city. Situated in Whatcom County with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,000 feet, the area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 70°F with cool nights in the 50s. Winter camping requires preparation for frequent rainfall, with December through February averaging 5-7 inches of precipitation monthly.
Paddle sports on Mountain Lake: At Moran State Park, visitors can enjoy kayaking on the calm lake waters. "This is a large campground on Orcas Island. It sits on Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump," notes Rich M., highlighting the water activities available.
Hiking at Pine and Cedar Lakes: The trails offer a challenging but rewarding experience with a "steep but short hike" to reach the primitive camping areas. "Close to Bellingham, no bay views but nice scenery, little lake, and dense forest nonetheless. Good steep trails nearby and charming boardwalks," reports Harry H.
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds around Bellingham provide opportunities to spot local fauna. At Larrabee State Park Campground, campers might encounter "furry neighbours" as one reviewer warns: "Just be aware that it has some nosy raccoon residents who feel very comfortable coming right up to camp to investigate your food situation."
Lakeside camping spots: At Mountain Lake in Moran State Park, campers appreciate waterfront sites. "We were in site 22, right on the water (but also right next to the access road.) There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim," shares Jessica B.
Beach access: Birch Bay State Park Campground offers excellent beach recreation opportunities. "Grab a meal at the near by Doe Bay resort, you wont be disapointed!" recommends one visitor, while another notes, "If you're the type that loves walks along the beach and breath taking sunsets... Brich Bay State Park is the place to be!"
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds feature secluded sites. At Deception Pass State Park Campground, one camper found "Feeling safe and secure" noting, "Set way back from the road the campsite was surrounded by wilderness with a cute trail to the bathroom."
Train noise: Multiple reviews mention the railway near Larrabee State Park. "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," reports Daryl N.
Military jet sounds: Campers at Deception Pass should prepare for overhead noise. "Definitely worth a stay with it's proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. Plus Anacortes is a fun town just a few minutes away. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Limited privacy at some sites: Many reviewers note the close quarters at popular campgrounds. One camper at Bay View State Park Campground observed, "Just 20 minutes from Mount Vernon/Burlington, near the water front/slough. Small campsites (some really tiny) with picnic tables, pit toilets and potable water."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "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 Carlyn N.
Kid-friendly amenities: Lynden-Bellingham KOA offers numerous activities for children. "Great Amenities…. Swimming pool, mini golf, arcade games, paddle boats. Lots of trees and shade! I love how it's tucked away and you forget your right in Lynden," notes Renee R.
Farm experiences: Unique accommodations like Oostema Farmstead provide educational opportunities. "Lisa gave us a tour and let our children pet/feed the cows, goat, and pig. The kids loved it!! We like that there isn't rows of RVs and Trailers stacked on top of each other," reports Christina B.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling blocks at some campgrounds. One RVer at Larrabee noted, "We had site T6 which is full hook up pull through. The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground."
Hookup options: Most state parks offer partial hookups. At Birch Bay, "Ewuipment: 30' Travel Trailer. Stayed in South Campgrounds. Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the from of the park."
Reservations essential: During peak season, advance booking is critical. "We were able to secure two spots next to each other. Busy place, but the spots are partitioned off by natural trees and shrubs," notes one family camper at Deception Pass State Park.
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.
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