Point Roberts offers a coastal camping experience with access to both Puget Sound waters and mountain views. Located on a small peninsula that can only be accessed by crossing through Canada or by boat, this area provides unique water access for kayaking and crabbing. Most campgrounds near Point Roberts operate seasonally due to the northern latitude and cooler temperatures in winter.
What to do
Saltwater fishing and shellfish gathering: At Birch Bay State Park, campers have direct access to excellent fishing opportunities. "This has to be one of my all time favorite places for Shell Fishing and Crabbing! Peaceful and not too busy, access to the beach, and group camp sites, makes this a family destination for quiet fun," writes Dani H. The park requires a shellfish license for harvesting at low tide.
Beach exploration and sunset viewing: Birch Bay State Park Campground provides a mixture of beach environments. "The lots are pretty close together but it has everything you need--large picnic table, fire pit with grill, parking, and a good area for your tent. The hand driers in the bathroom are a bit annoying late at night but the facilities are nice and the beach nearby is absolutely beautiful!" notes Natalie M. The park maintains beach access points with parking areas.
Paddling and boating: The waters around Mountain Lake Campground on Orcas Island offer peaceful paddling experiences. "We were lucky enough to take an afternoon ferry and snag the LAST camp spot available here on a Sunday. There are great hikes all around, we walked around the lake and plopped our canoe in right from the site to go explore around," shares Kaysha R. The lake has designated launch areas for non-motorized watercraft.
What campers like
Orca watching opportunities: The waters around Point Roberts are known for orca sightings. "Loved staying here and will be back for certain. Quiet in town and on the unbelievably warm waters of the shallow Birch Bay just across the street," says Jan K. about Beachside RV Park. The park's location provides viewpoints for spotting these marine mammals during their seasonal migrations.
Privacy in natural settings: Some locations offer more secluded camping experiences. "This is a large campground on Orcas Island. It sits on Lake Moran which is a fun lake to kayak and cliff jump. If you follow the road up to Mt. Constitution, there is a lookout tower that resembles a castle," notes Rich M. about Mountain Lake Campground. The campground features sites with tree buffers between them.
Clean facilities: The Thousand Trails Birch Bay campground maintains its facilities well. "The staff is super friendly and on top of everything, very well mannered and trained. Main areas are getting updated now which will make this place even better in the future. Bathrooms/showers are single rooms not shared, very private and sparkling clean!" reports B B. The park charges extra fees for guests visiting campers.
What you should know
Border crossing requirements: Camping in Point Roberts requires crossing through Canada when traveling by car. "This is such a beautiful and special spot for a campground. One of those places you wake up in the morning and can't believe that someone had the foresight to set it aside for fellow adventurers who love the outdoors," notes allison W. about Lighthouse Marine Park. All visitors must have proper documentation for border crossings.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "This campsite is just a parking lot with numbered spots. They all have picnic tables some have fire rings in the grass. There is a bathroom and 1 shower that takes quarters. I'm told it can get busy on the weekends but it was super quite when we stayed on a Tues," explains SpentBrassOffroad B. The campground closes from November through March.
Ferry logistics: Accessing some nearby island campgrounds requires ferry planning. "The island has a fun vibe, and is located in the rain shadow of the Olympics so we had great weather. We camped on a lake that had easy trailhead access to the peak of Mt. Constitution, a easy/moderate hike with excellent views. The only problem is expense. The ferry ride over and back is gonna run you $80 per car," shares Matthew G. Ferry reservations are recommended during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Larrabee State Park Campground offers recreation facilities for children. "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. We also took advantage of the hiking trails nearby," shares Carlyn N. The playground includes climbing structures and swings suitable for various ages.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise disruptions. "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," warns Daryl N. about Larrabee State Park. Families should select sites furthest from the train tracks when making reservations.
Pet-friendly guidelines: Most campgrounds in the area welcome pets with specific rules. "This was a great place for us to stay on this trip. We were able to see some Canadian family in Blaine, while the border was closed, and stay nearby. Great area with Birch Bay just across the street," explains Carlos M. about Beachside RV Park. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 8 feet at all times.
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Thousand Trails Birch Bay provides full-service sites with varying quality. "Nice place, friendly staff best Thousand Trails so far. They have all the usual amenities for resort. 2 phases for RVs - phase 1 spots are so close you could very well 'spare a square' of TP to your neighbor. Phase 2 has a lot more room to spread out and it's nice," advises Katie B. Phase 2 sites require earlier reservations but offer more space between units.
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven sites requiring extra equipment. "Crazy road to the park from the south. 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," reports Jason W. about Larrabee State Park. RVers should bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Limited turn-around space: Several campgrounds have tight access roads. "Road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!! Dump station at the front of the park. Campsites are gorgeous and relaxing!! Big trees. Lots of foilage. Hiking trails to beach!!" mentions Ben C. about Birch Bay State Park. RVs over 35 feet may find navigation challenging in certain loops.
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