Best Campgrounds near Sumas, WA

The northern border region of Sumas, Washington features a diverse mix of camping options within a short drive of the Canadian border. Sumas RV Park and Campground provides full-hookup sites with pull-through access for larger trailers, while Hidden Meadow Retreat offers a unique farm-based camping experience with private meadow sites. Silver Lake Park, approximately 20 minutes from Sumas, maintains year-round camping with lakefront access and hiking trails. Most campgrounds in this area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter from the Pacific Northwest elements. The proximity to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest provides additional recreational opportunities beyond the immediate camping areas.

Cell phone coverage can be limited at many campgrounds in the Sumas area, particularly at Hidden Meadow Retreat where visitors recommend printing directions beforehand. As one camper noted, "There was no cell phone service for me, so I recommend printing directions. I trusted my GPS and it got me there, but I wasn't 100% sure I had arrived." Summer weekends typically see the highest demand for campsites, with many locations requiring advance reservations. The region experiences significant rainfall from late fall through spring, making summer and early fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Proximity to the Canadian border means international travelers should carry appropriate documentation when exploring the area's hiking trails, as some paths cross near or along the international boundary.

Waterfront sites at Silver Lake receive consistently high ratings from visitors who appreciate the mountain views and water access. Local campers often use these campgrounds as convenient weekend getaways, with one Sumas resident noting, "We take our kids on spontaneous outings in the trailer randomly. Sumas RV Park we go here often and keep going back! Availability is there!" The area offers good hiking opportunities, with Vedder Mountain providing trails that lead to ridges overlooking both the US and Canada. Winter visitors can use cabins and RV sites as base camps for skiing at Mt. Baker, though winter road conditions may require appropriate vehicles and preparation. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with at least basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Sumas, Washington (207)

    1. Lynden-Bellingham KOA

    13 Reviews
    Lynden, WA
    7 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!"

    2. Oostema Farmstead

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

    $35 - $65 / night

    "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. "

    "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...."

    3. Silver Lake Park

    8 Reviews
    Maple Falls, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 599-2776

    $19 - $32 / night

    "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."

    "Its located right next to the lake, there are spots for tent camping as well as RV camping and for years we book an RV site but pitch our tents there because you can fit 3 tents on one site."

    4. Birch Bay State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Blaine, WA
    23 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!"

    5. Larrabee State Park Campground

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

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

    "There is a train very close to the campground! It didn't bother us, but some might find that useful. We stayed 1 night here. It was pretty nice."

    6. Sumas RV Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Sumas, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (360) 988-8875

    $25 - $600 / night

    "We live in Sumas,so we are locals , we take our kids on spontaneous outings in the trailer randomly,just to get the kids out and enjoy our new 38 foot trave trailer!"

    8. EverGrin Shire

    1 Review
    Sumas, WA
    4 miles

    $40 / night

    9. Hidden Village RV Park & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lynden, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 398-1041

    "I rented a long term space here for over 2 years while working in Washington. Price was by far the best around. It's a very good sized place with spaces to accommodate even the largest trailers."

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Recent Reviews near Sumas, WA

720 Reviews of 207 Sumas Campgrounds


  • Chuck P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Whidbey RV Park

    Nice park

    Great checking. It is an RV park and there is jet noise from the Naval Air Station. We would stay here again.

  • 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. 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 Sumas

Camping spots near Sumas, Washington lie within Whatcom County where Mount Baker National Forest creates a backdrop of 10,781-foot volcanic peaks. Winter precipitation averages 46 inches annually, contributing to lush forest conditions through spring and summer. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 500-1,500 feet, with higher sites experiencing cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months.

What to Do

Kayaking at Silver Lake: Silver Lake Park provides easy water access with a designated launch area. "The lake swimming area is walkable via a trail that runs behind the sites," notes one visitor at Silver Lake Park. Lake activities are particularly popular from June through September when water temperatures are warmest.

Farm experiences: Several campgrounds offer unique agricultural experiences not found at standard forest sites. At Oostema Farmstead, campers interact with livestock. "Lisa gave us a tour and let our children pet/feed the cows, goat, and pig. The kids loved it!!" reports one family.

Hiking Vedder Mountain: Trails lead to ridges with cross-border views approximately 4 miles from Sumas. "On our hike, we ended up on a ridge overlooking both the US and Canada," explains a camper who stayed at Hidden Meadow Retreat. Trail access requires high-clearance vehicles in some seasons.

What Campers Like

Farm-fresh produce: Several Sumas area campgrounds operate on working farms with seasonal harvests. "I opted to pay $3 to fill a basket from the garden and my yield included tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and fresh herbs," shares a camper at Oostema Farmstead.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Sumas region maintain above-average bathroom facilities according to multiple reviews. At Birch Bay State Park Campground, "The bathrooms were so clean though, and it is a beautiful bay."

Kid-friendly amenities: Many camping areas feature dedicated play spaces. "Kids can ride their bikes and fish and parents don't have to worry," mentions a visitor to Lynden-Bellingham KOA. Several campgrounds offer organized activities during summer weekends.

What You Should Know

Cell service limitations: Many camping spots near Sumas have limited connectivity. "There was no cell phone service for me, so I recommend printing directions," advises a Hidden Meadow Retreat visitor. Download maps and directions before arrival, especially for sites east of Sumas.

Seasonal availability: Campgrounds operate on different schedules, with most sites fully operational May through September. "Sites are nice, close to others but still good privacy. Everything was clean and well taken care of," notes a camper at Oostema Farmstead.

Train noise considerations: Some campsites experience railroad disruptions. At Larrabee State Park Campground, "We visited in the winter, so it was quiet. Downside was the trains barreling through all night. Could barely sleep with earplugs."

Tips for Camping with Families

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access appropriate for different age groups. "Great Amenities... Swimming pool, mini golf, arcade games, paddle boats. Lots of trees and shade!" reports a visitor to Lynden-Bellingham KOA.

Playground access: Multiple sites feature dedicated play areas. "Recently redone sites, with new bbq/fire pits. New gravel around the site. The grounds are great for kids to play, lots of fields, and creeks to explore, and perfect for family bike riding or skate boarding," explains a Silver Lake Park camper.

Educational opportunities: Farm-based campgrounds provide unique learning experiences. "This is a working farm with beef cattle and an extensive garden," notes one family at Oostema Farmstead, making these sites particularly valuable for children learning about agriculture.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "The site was extremely unlevel front to back so much so my rear stabilizers barely touched the ground," reports an RVer at Larrabee State Park.

Pull-through availability: Larger rigs find accommodations at several local campgrounds. "Nice pull thru sites for those with larger trailers or 5th wheels, people are nice, clean quite location," notes a local camper who frequently visits Sumas RV Park and Campground.

Hookup considerations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "Full hookups, wifi, bathrooms, shower, laundry room, swimming pool. Has separate parking for boats, utility trailers etc," explains a long-term visitor to Birch Bay State Park, highlighting amenities important for extended stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sumas camping areas?

Camping areas around Sumas offer diverse amenities to suit different preferences. Swift Creek Campground provides great access to northern Cascades trails with beautiful scenery. For those seeking more comfort, Chom's RV Campground offers convenient highway access and is family-owned with an on-site manager for assistance. Many area campgrounds provide water hookups, toilet facilities, and picnic areas. The Mt. Baker region also features rental cabins with modern amenities like WiFi, fireplaces, and even EV charging stations for those who want a more luxurious outdoor experience.

Where can I find camping in Sumas, Washington?

Sumas offers several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Sumas RV Park and Campground provides excellent facilities right in town with pull-through sites for larger RVs and trailers. Just a short drive away, Hidden Meadow Retreat offers a quieter camping experience with last-minute availability even during peak season. For those willing to venture slightly further, the Mount Baker area provides additional camping opportunities with easy access to hiking trails and stunning mountain scenery.

When is the best time of year to camp in Sumas?

The best time to camp in Sumas is from late spring through early fall (May to September) when temperatures are mild and most trails are accessible. Deception Pass State Park Campground, a popular destination not far from Sumas, offers excellent camping conditions during summer with opportunities for beach activities and hiking. Some locals enjoy camping here from October through June as well, noting it's never too cold and less crowded. Fall brings beautiful foliage, while summer provides the warmest temperatures for swimming in nearby lakes. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cooler temperatures and potential snow, especially at higher elevations.