Reservations are available year-round at this 166-site Washington State Parks facility on the shores of Birch Bay, with nightly rates ranging from $12 to $113 depending on season and hookup type. The campground splits into two loops, north and south, each with its own paved path down to the beach. Sites are level and graveled, with fire rings and wood picnic tables standard throughout. Full hookup sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet, and the park also has a dump station, showers, and WiFi. The north loop tends to run at higher occupancy than the south, so campers looking for more breathing room may want to request the south side.
The layout puts campers inside a dense stand of cedars and ferns, which keeps the sites shaded and relatively cool even in summer. Canopy cover is thick enough that rain doesn't always reach ground level. Site spacing draws mixed reviews: some campers find the tree buffers give reasonable separation, while others note that not every site feels particularly private. A few sites in the teens and the 70s have cliffside views of the water, and those tend to book early. Shelly S. describes the forest as "primordial," with ferns and cedars throughout.
Cleanliness comes up repeatedly across reviews, with bathrooms and showers consistently described as well-maintained. The beach is accessible via short paved paths from both loops, and the park's day-use parking pass covers the adjacent beach lot as well, which is useful for hauling gear down. Shellfish license holders find the bay productive at low tide for crab, clams, and sand dollars. A 10.7-mile trail connects the park to the International Peace Arch for hikers wanting a longer route. Firewood runs $8 in US cash, with delivery to your site available from the host.
The campground sits within a busy coastal tourist corridor, and road noise from the surrounding area is audible, though once inside the tree cover it diminishes. Melinda C. notes that despite the busy surroundings, "potable drinking water is close to every camp." Nearby alternatives for campers who want to compare options include Beachwood, Sun Retreats Birch Bay, Ball Bay View RV Park, and Beachside RV Park, all within a couple of miles to the east and northeast. For a broader look at camping near Birch Bay, The Dyrt has a full listing of options in the area.
Summer weekends fill up fast, particularly on the north loop, so booking several weeks out is advisable for July and August visits.
Description
Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life. Stroll along the rocky beach and take in dramatic views of the North Cascades Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. Or head up the Terrell Marsh interpretive trail to a rare saltwater and freshwater estuary teeming with birds and wildlife, including great blue herons. Low tide reveals a wide mudflat with a treasure trove of clams and other shellfish that can be harvested in season. Bring out the pails, shovels, mud boots and licenses, and start digging! If you prefer to swim, Birch Bay is known for its relatively warm water, and if you'd rather be on the water, the park offers excellent crabbing, windsurfing, sailing and paddling. Staying overnight? Birch bay camping has a basketball court and environmental education programs in summer ensure fun for the whole family. If you're looking for a side trip, the U.S.- Canada border town of Blaine and the fascinating Peace Arch State Park are only 9 miles north, and the lively university city of Bellingham is 20 miles south. You can always spend an evening in town and return to the beachy bliss of Birch Bay.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBirch Bay State Park Campground is located in Washington near Blaine
Address
5105 Helweg Road
Blaine, WA 98230
Coordinates
48.90534 N
122.7682 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/29/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 20 min from Bellingham, WA
- 44 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 37 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 33 min from Bremerton, WA
