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 (209)

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Recent Reviews near Sumas, WA

727 Reviews of 209 Sumas Campgrounds


  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Baker Pull-Off

    Pull-off site

    Cute little off the road site. About 6 cars drove by throughout the night and into the morning, it was Friday so that was expected. There’s 2 little walkways down to your own little private section of the lake. Beautiful.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful Camping

    Stopped here in the month of September and there were very few people around the lake. Quiet and beautiful views! We parked our vehicle off the road at the top of the flat and walked down to the lake for sunrises and sets. Definitely set up for a good time during the summer break with rope swings hanging from the branches. Star link works OK here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Baker Lake Tent camping

    Beautiful tent site

    Didn’t stay here but hiked in it and it’s very spacious. There are 2 fire rings set up with an uppper and lower camping option. The lower is right by a river that spills into the lake on the other side of the road.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Old Quarry by Sulphur Creek

    Unofficial Forest Gun range

    This is exactly as described in the title of this review. It’s set up as an unofficial forest gun range. We came on a Wednesday evening where it wasnt occupied or being used, but we’ll probably just stay here one night and find something better. The roads have lots of potholes getting here… probably won’t stay here again, but starling does work well considering it is a big open spot.

  • Adi Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Chom's RV Campground

    Great place to stay at close to the north cascades

    Great place! Clean toilets, hot water, good enough wifi, leveled ground and the host is really helpful and nice! The only downside is that it's close to the road, so you hear some traffic, but it's a rather chill place at night.

  • A
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lynden-Bellingham KOA

    Tent, trailer and rv camp site

    Great amenities through summer.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Campground

    Good base for North Cascades National Park

    Unable to get in FCFS campground inside NP, found this campground close to the east entrance on Hwy 20. Quiet, clean, not too much privacy, but worked great for us to visit Cascades. Showers, bathrooms, laundry all very adequate and it was available same day (midweek). Full hook ups, staff friendly and accommodating.

  • 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.


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.