The best camping near Birch Bay State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Birch Bay State Park adventure.

The best camping near Birch Bay State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Birch Bay State Park adventure.
90% (12 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Birch Bay State Park adventure.

Camp next to a shellfish-harvesting hotspot just nine miles south of the Canadian border.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Birch Bay State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Birch Bay State Park

97%
(91)

West Beach Resort

75 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Eastsound, WA
West Beach Resort is located on the sunny and pristine west side of Orcas Island, Washington. We are a private destination resort specializing in providing guests with an authentic San Juan Islands getaway. We have been an Orcas Island lodging and hotel destination since 1938. Stay in our fully-equipped beachfront cabins on our world class walk-out, west-facing, sand/pebble beach and watch the sunset as you relive the day’s adventures from your private beach fire pit. We also offer ocean view and garden cabins, RV, camping, marina, boat rentals, general store, kayak and canoe rentals, and a seasonal activities kiosk and beachfront food service. Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic family summer vacation spot or that romantic retreat in the off-season, you simply won’t find a more stunning location for your escape to Washington's paradise that is Orcas Island's West Beach Resort.
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$49
 / night
92%
(71)

Rosario Camp & RV

16 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Anacortes, WA
Location: On Rosario Road, directly across the street from Cougar Gap Road (Rosario Beach). Property: This gorgeous piece of property is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, Washington), less than one minute away from Deception Pass State Park. Yes, we are within walking distance of Deception Pass State Park and we border Pass Lake. This amazing Hipcamp is located on just under 17 acres, with amazing water and forest views. This breathtaking location is extremely unique, because we are surrounded by Deception Pass State Park. Wildlife: When it comes to wildlife, you will wake-up to the beautiful and rejuvenating melodies of a plethora of wild birds, chipmunks, squirrels, woodpeckers,, etc. During your stay, you will cross paths with deer and various other wild animals, in this very natural and pristine setting. Vegetation: While enjoying your stay at Rosario Camp & RV, you’ll also enjoy a medley of flora, such as the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pacific Madrone and many other native trees. In addition, you’ll be able to taste absolutely delicious in-season wild berries, view Pacific Bleeding hearts, vine maples and many more different types of vegetation, native to Northwestern Washington. Many Fun Activities: In this location, you will have so many spots to enjoy various water sport activities , which include: Pass Lake (no motors), Bowman Bay, Lake Campbell, etc. At our beautiful Hipcamp location you’re, literally, in the middle of it all. If you’d like, you may choose to walk, bike, moped or drive across the street (Rosario Road), to Deception Pass State Park, to explore various views and go for absolutely amazing hikes. You may choose to go on long mountain bike rides, with breathtaking views of Deception Pass Bridge, Bowman Bay and more. Perhaps, you’ll choose to rent a paddle board, canoe, kayak, boat or simply bring your own. There is scuba diving and scuba diving classes available, in the area. How about going on a fly fishing adventure, for stocked cutthroat, rainbow and/or brown trout (15”-29”+), at beautiful Pass Lake. If you’re interested in yachting or fishing the “big water” that is also an option, in the area of Anacortes (A-Town). There are many different tours available, at and around Deception Pass State Park, on land and/or on one of our area lakes or in the big water. We also have numerous exciting festivals, outdoor concerts, bike and boat races, for you, your family and friends to enjoy. We are really looking forward to meeting you and sharing our very special, unique and beautiful Hipcamp, with you. Fine Dining/Restaurants; Fine Dining: Anacortes has absolutely spectacular restaurants and specialty dining spots (e.g. The Majestic, Naung Mai Thai, Anthony’s, Nonna Luisa Ristorante, 5th Street Bistro, Coconut Kenny’s, Bastion Brewing Company, Bob’s Chowder Bar, The Shrimp Shack, Bamboo Bistro and many other memorable restaurants. There are 15 campsites available, at our Anacortes Hipcamp (Rosario Camp & RV) location. So, book your beautiful campsite, today.
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$65
 / night
99%
(62)

Greenstone Farm Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Vernon, WA
Reserve your RV site, Dispersed tent camping, or Luxury Glamping tent vacation today! We cannot accommodate same day bookings. Quiet country location, gorgeous views of Mount Baker, horses pastured next door, eagles overhead. Trails in forest for your enjoyment. Close to North Cascades for Hiking, Big Lake for Water sports, Disc Golf, Walker Valley ORV park, and close to downtown Mount Vernon for amenities. One hour north of Seattle, one hour south of Vancouver, BC. RV parking on long flat driveway can accommodate large size rigs. Full Hookup available (20/30/50 Amp power, Potable water, (septic by arrangement). Guest Wi-Fi available. Maximum 13 night stay, no long term rental space available. Dogs welcome on leash or fenced at all times. Includes use of communal area to cook, outdoor washup sink, and access to fire pit with wood and fire starters available. We are a strictly non smoking site, except inside your rig. Glamping tent in the forest is 16 x 24 ft, with pillow top queen bed, kitchenette with refrigerator/microwave/drinking water/dishes, comfy seating and 8 foot covered deck. Access to full bathroom, cooking facility, communal fire pit, BBQ, Wi-Fi available, full electrical power in tent, woodstove in tent with wood provided. Not suitable for small children, and no pets allowed in tent. Walk in Campsites - choose your own place to spend the night on the open pasture or in our forest. 1 tent per reservation. In forest tent site is small, single tent for no more than 2 people recommended. Includes use of communal area to cook, use of picnic tables, Full bathroom and access to fire pit with free wood and firestarters. We do not allow in-car camping.
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$45
 / night
100%
(93)

Saltgrass Garden

1 site · Lodging5 acres · La Conner, WA
An update. March 10, the daffodil fields are blooming!! Tulips will follow soon. If you jump off of I-5 at Mount Vernon and use the alternate routes to get to Saltgrass you can go by the flower fields. We are open to start our third season as a Hipcamp. So excited to welcome back our repeat guests and to meet new people. Come enjoy the Bamboo cabin at the north end of Turner Bay. The deck faces southwest toward the water. This is a family property with the host on site in the main house. The cabin is really cozy as we have an HVAC system so you can stay warm in the winter months, and cool in the summer. This unique property's location allows for many fun outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, crabbing; and fishing (seasonal), birding, bicycling and playing on the beach, high tide twice a day brings in all sorts of wildlife as well as the occasional message in a bottle. For small craft (kayak or canoe) boating from here the most accurate tide chart is La Conner Wash. There must be a high tide to get in or out of our little bay. Alternatively, the towns of La Conner and Anacortes have multiple activities available. I would suggest calling ahead in order to book kayaking, rock climbing sailing charter or....? We are located very close to many amenities. You will find the Swinomish Casino and golf course within two miles. Or spend time exploring the little shops and local entertainment in the small towns of Anacortes and La Conner. You can also take a day trip to the San Juan Islands by taking a scenic ferry ride out of Anacortes. While you're here you may meet our pup Turner, or our cats Poly and Minnie, we also have several chickens that provide us with eggs most of the time. Also on the property are your hosts Jeri and Nancy, as well as our handyman Sean who lives in a retro build bus at the north end. Saltgrass boasts beautiful flowers, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and yes, the Bay. We try to live harmoniously with the land. We would love to share our space with you! Our property has hosted many events, such as weddings, family reunions, company picnics, a music festival, and life celebrations. If you are interested, please let us know. We are always evolving our land to share with others.
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$130
 / night
100%
(355)

Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Bellingham, WA
Welcome to our tree farm and certified forest. Looking for an ideal family getaway spot? With our unique location nestled in the foothills of Stewart Mt and the peaceful Squalicum Valley, Rusty Ranch Tree Farm offers 110 acres of meadows and forest. Our location provides easy access to much of our local recreation options and is only 10 min east of Bellingham. Our camp area is spacious and can can easily accomidate your family and even a couple of friends. Scattered trees offer shade, and large grassy areas provide ample space to roam. We are proud to say we have been named top FARM STAY by Hipcamp for 2 years in a row. Rusty Ranch Tree Farm is dedicated to "Eduction through Exploration" where we strive to provide your family and friends with more than just camping but also a place to experience nature and learn about forestry. Hike the several miles of nature trails on the hillside and explore our 65 acres of certified forest. Placards on the nature trail are part of our self-guided tour and provide information about forestry and the plants and animals that call this their home. You may request a guided interactive tour for your group if you prefer. Wander through the old growth groves, walk the 50' boardwalk and see the magical Fern Ridge. There are abundant wildflowers and seasonal berries to pick, as well as a variety of fall apples and pears in the old orchard available for self harvest. You can even purchase a tree to take home and plant. We also offer a roadside farm stand with fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as well as farm fresh eggs. We hope you will come and stay with us for your next adventure.
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from 
$45
 / night
97%
(256)

Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sedro Woolley, WA
Retreat to relax at Chuckanut Hills Farm and Campground, a 20-acre energy-regenerative, off-grid family farm nestled at the foot of Anderson Mountain and surrounded by thousands of acres of forest. 30 minutes south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains, the only finger of the Cascade Mountain Range that reaches all the way to the Salish Sea. This wooded forest is part of the Puget Lowland Forest Eco-Region. These hills were the native home of the Saquantch people, a Salish coast tribe that fished and hunted the mountains surrounding Lake Whatcom. They lived in long lodge homes and were later pushed out by the invading Lummi Tribe. The Lummi Tribe was later pushed out by Western logging companies, and the entire mountainous region was heavily logged for a number of years. Where our farm now rests was once the second of many logging camps built by Ed English, and he cut our gravel farm road in 1900; a railroad ran through the lower part of our property, taking logs from Lake Whatcom down to the little boom town of Seattle. Our intention while being caretakers of this ancestral land is to restore native plants, raise heirloom produce and heritage animals, and provide a restful nature paradise for people looking to spend time in the outdoors.
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$48.80
 / night
97%
(80)

Samish Island Bluff

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Bow, WA
Come and experience the beauty of Samish Island at this private high bank campsite. Enjoy the amazing water and mountain views from this unique property while lounging in your van, relaxing in your tent or hanging out on the spacious decks. Convenience of a drive on island and only 20 minutes to the freeway. Single campsite is located at the front of the property perched at the bluff edge, boasting amazing sunsets, panoramic water views of Samish + Bellingham bay with Blanchard and Chuckanut in the background. Bring your toys or just enjoy the view. Located just steps from the public beach access you can enjoy clamming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just beach combing. There is also a regularly serviced Honey bucket at the park access. Bikes are a great option for exploring the island and the surrounding area including all that Edison has to offer just a few miles away. Site includes a designated parking space, two large decks with a pergola, gazebo, timber table, firepit and adirondack chairs for enjoying the view. we are best setup for tent campers w/ single vehicle, trucks w/ slide in campers, vans etc No power/water/bathroom facilities Friendly pets are welcome, please pick up after your furry friends and keep them on leash or long line *firewood/bikes/kayaks/paddle boards not provided The residence is not currently occupied and we are starting repairs and renovations on the back buildings later this year, so you may see me in/out some days as I base my construction business from the shop at the back of the property Please enjoy the private campsite area and refrain from exploring the back of the property or other buildings.
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$76.50
 / night
97%
(148)

Pacific Rim Institute

1 site · Lodging175 acres · Coupeville, WA
This land has passed through many families but was first "managed" by Salish Indians who burned the prairie and harvested native plants for food, medicine, clothing, charms and more for 10,000 years. When European settlers arrived in the 1850s, burning the prairie all but ceased and that, along with the introduction of many new exotic species of animals, crop plants and weeds, began the degradation of the landscape. Over time our site was used to graze sheep and then raise pheasants (from 1944-1999). It was slated for housing development but several citizens rose up and prevented that from happening. Now the Pacific Rim Institute, a private nonprofit organization is the steward of this precious jewel of central Whidbey and the Pacific Northwest. We have a five-acre remnant prairie with over 80 species of native plants - critical to the restoration of degraded lands throughout the Salish Sea region. We have over two miles of walking trails for you. They traverse our prairie, savannas and forests. The land is full of color when the native wildflowers bloom from early spring through early autumn. We have a Native Plant Center where we grow up to 50 species of rare native plants. Ask us for a tour.
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$39.96
 / night

The best camping near Birch Bay State Park guide

Overview

About

Birch Bay carves a semi-circle out of Puget Sound, just nine miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. This peaceful spot shows off views of the North Cascades and Canada’s Gulf Islands⁠—and features epic sunsets on clear days. Visitors can head to the beach at low tide to harvest oysters and clams, take a dip in the relatively warm water on a hot day, spot birds at Terrell Marsh, and set crab pots. Campsites at the sole Birch Bay Campground are tucked away in the forest, a short walk from the beach.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • All of the campsites at Birch Bay State Park are reservable for arrival dates from May 15 to September 15.
  • The park is open year round for camping, though some campsites are closed in winter. 
  • All reservations can be made nine months in advance at most.

When to go

Birch Bay State Park is open year round. It’s most busy on summer weekends and holidays, though summer weekdays can be busy, too. Spring and fall are quieter, with fewer crowds and campsites readily available without much advance planning. The park is very popular for crabbing, with harvest usually beginning in mid-August. 

Know before you go

  • If you plan to go crabbing or shellfishing at Birch Bay, be sure to buy a recreational license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • The city of Bellingham, where you can stock up on essentials, is a short 20-minute drive away.
  • The half-mile Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail is one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in the area, and is a great spot to look for a variety of birds.
  • The park requires visitors to purchase a Discover Pass for entry. Birch Bay has an automated pay station to buy a one-day or annual Discover Pass.
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