The best camping in Birch Bay State Park, WA

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Top-rated campgrounds

Highland View Farm

100%
(26)
42mi from Birch Bay State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · Oak Harbor, WA
Welcome to your serene glamping getaway at West Beach in Oak Harbor. Experience breathtaking lake and ocean views from our cozy bungalow, perfectly nestled in a lush, wildlife-rich environment. Encounter the majestic beauty of eagles soaring overhead and listen to the soothing calls of owls as you unwind on the deck built for two. This charming site offers the best of both worlds: the comforts of a cozy queen-sized bed and the rustic appeal of camping with a temporary toilet and bottled water supplied for your convenience. Spend your days exploring nearby trails and observing the diverse species of wildlife, then gather around the campfire to relish the calmness of the evening beneath a starlit sky. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this is the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Come and enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty that await at our little piece of paradise.
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$110
 / night

Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp

98%
(302)
28mi from Birch Bay State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · 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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$49
 / night

Swanrise Overlook

33mi from Birch Bay State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Burlington, WA
Welcome to your private Skagit Valley retreat, where trumpeter swans soar overhead and sunrises paint the sky in shades of gold. Just outside Burlington, Washington, this secluded camp blends comfort, accessibility, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience. The site features a pull-through driveway with a dedicated RV pad, two tent sites, and a spacious 400-square-foot viewing deck. From the deck, you’ll have a front-row seat to one of nature’s great performances: migrating swans, ducks, and geese flying directly overhead, their calls echoing across nearby ponds. The deck is also the perfect spot for morning coffee, evening stargazing, or simply relaxing in the open air. Dike trails wind out from the property, leading to ponds, viewpoints, and secluded corners where wildlife is abundant. Whether you’re an avid birder with binoculars ready, a hiker eager to explore, or a family looking for a safe and spacious getaway, the land offers something for everyone. Amenities include a composting toilet, picnic table, and fire pit—everything you need to feel comfortable while keeping the focus on nature. While the site feels a world away, it’s just minutes from I-5, offering both convenience and seclusion. This is more than a place to park or pitch a tent; it’s a destination. Bird enthusiasts will experience unforgettable encounters with trumpeter swans, ducks, and geese in flight. Families will enjoy wide open spaces, safe trails, and nights around the fire. Everyone will be drawn to the sunrises, which are nothing short of spectacular. Built with care and intention, this camp invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the natural beauty of the Skagit Valley.
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$50
 / night

Skagit river camping and sauna

96%
(337)
43mi from Birch Bay State Park · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Lyman, WA
End of the road. Start of an epic camping weekend. River to the side, Cascade foothill surround. Each site has river access except for lookers left which is not accessible due to the steep grade. Close to the north cascades. Minutes from live music, bars and quality mexican restaurant. Rails to trail for bikes and walking. Tward the end of july the river starts to recede opening up more possibilities of having interaction with the river. That being said its crucial you keep an eye out on your kids. We had a guy out here who almost killed his kids multiple times underestimating the current. Watch out!!Kinda going for the peaceful, listen to the river and birds, vibe. Would rather there be no music and if there is then super low and off by 7. Sauna available after 3pm
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$48
 / night

North Wind House: Historic Cascadia

98%
(348)
23mi from Birch Bay State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Everson, WA
Step back in time to 1890 on this rustic and authentic organic homestead property. We have worked to ensure that you feel the rich cultural and natural heritage of this rugged wilderness in the North Cascade foothills. Within an hour or two of Seattle, Vancouver BC, Mt Baker, The Salish Sea and so much more. We have lava tube swimming holes on the property, and glacier fed spring water, and The property is adjacent to the easily accessible and incredile Nooksack Valley Gold mine Trail.Come experience life as it once was in the Cascadia bio-region.Learn more about this land:Nestled on the first foothills of the Cascades, this 30 acre historic farm property established in 1890 has an array of beautiful and private tenting sights from grassy fields to lush rainforest. The land is rustic and charming with many species of trees and wildlife. 
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$56
 / night

Guemes North Homestead

100%
(271)
23mi from Birch Bay State Park · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · Anacortes, WA
The Guemes North Homestead is ten acres of gorgeous tall trees, clearings, homestead buildings, pond, trails, renewable energy gear, and more, set in the middle of the north end of Guemes Island (a 7-minute ferry from downtown Anacortes), at the end of a 1/3-mile dead-end driveway. It has nature, quiet, and privacy. It includes a 30-year-old orchard, a developed garden with fine soil, a pond with rope swing and waterslide, several solar and wind energy systems, and multiple buildings. It's about a mile in two directions from the Pacific Ocean beach, and is surrounded by wooded acreage that is criss-crossed with trails and friendly neighbors, on an island with about 700 year-round residents and an active weekend/summer population. Homestead owner Ian Woofenden is an expert in renewable energy systems. He's lived off-grid at the homestead for 40-plus years, where he raised his large family and managed several small businesses. He now consults, sells, writes, and teaches about renewable energy in the U.S. and in Central America. If your idea of a great getaway is to help out and do physical work, just ask Ian. There's always something going on at the homestead, including garden and orchard work, trail building, wood cutting, construction, sawmilling, and more. Ian built this place, and has a broad knowledge of lots of homestead and sustainability topics. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with guest, students, and interns. Quick reminders: NOT a party spot. The homestead goes silent from 9 PM to 8 AM. Not a place for lots of car trips in and out. Bikers can ask for 25% discount code (or use bike listing). Two-night minimum. No pets. One tent per site; one car per site. Book a separate tent site for friends/family who want to camp near you. We can't accommodate day visitors; if you want guests, book a site for them, or meet them at the beach, park, or Guemes mountain.. Bring your own bedding, matches, flashlights. Questions always welcome.
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$35
 / night

The Chuckanut Rock

98%
(124)
25mi from Birch Bay State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Edison, WA
Watch the sunset into the world famous San Juan Islands. Our property is located on the scenic Chuckanut Drive. It is a 15 minute walk to Taylor United's Seafood Bar that has beer and wine. You will need boots just below the knee, or hiking shoes that will get wet. The Creek crossing is a little deeper this year. You will also be crossing a muddy area for about 20 yards, you will sink about 3 inches into the mud. The hike into the campsite takes 12 minutes. You need to contact me to check the tides, as to be able to get to the campsite. We need to hike in below a 5 foot tide. Starting October, the campsite closes for winter. Again , this campsite is Tide dependent. The first question to me should be, What is the latest we can hike in? I am not Moses, I can’t part the sea. Camp closed during winter October/ march
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$75
 / night

Saltgrass Garden

100%
(135)
33mi from Birch Bay State Park · 1 site · Lodging · La Conner, WA
Thank you all for 2025!!! If it's not freezing, reach out! I may be able to book you in. Stay in our cabin at the estuary on Turners Bay where wildlife is abundant and easy to see. The Bamboo cabin is very private and has everything you need to just hang out. Saltgrass's location allows for many fun outdoor activities such as hiking at Kukutali Preserve State Park, crabbing, fishing, birding, bicycling and playing on the beach, my kids actually found a bottle with a message inside years ago. Alternatively, you could explore the many little shops in the towns of La Conner and Anacortes. There are multiple activities available, I would suggest calling ahead in order to book kayaking, rock climbing, whale watching, or a sailing charter. You could easily take a day trip to the San Juan Islands by taking a ferry ride out of Anacortes, walk on or book ahead if you are taking your car. Also, the Swinomish Casino and golf course are within two miles. While you're here you may meet our pup Turner, we also have two cats and several chickens. On the property are your hosts Jeri and Nancy, as well as our handyman Sean, 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! Due to potential freezing weather and vulnerable water pipes, we are taking the Bamboo cabin offline for December 1 through February 28. You are welcome to reach out and arrange a stay, weather permitting we may be able to accommodate you. It has been a wonderful summer for us here at Saltgrass, meeting new people and welcoming back our repeat guests. We thank you all for visiting our place and hope we meet your expectations. October 10 2025, A new addition to the bamboo cabin; we built gates that allow you to secure the deck as an outside space for your dog. 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

Pacific Rim Institute

96%
(167)
48mi from Birch Bay State Park · 1 site · Lodging · 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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$40
 / night

The Doves

100%
(32)
3.5mi from Birch Bay State Park · 2 sites · RVs · Blaine, WA
Located close to Drayton Harbor, Blaine, WA, Semiahmoo, and Birch Bay and just 25 minutes from Bellingham by Interstate 5, this private campsite offers a bit of a view of Drayton Harbor and White Rock, B.C. on a sunny day and is serene. Also, 10 minutes from Nexus International and the Canadian border. There are a lot of fun events year around between Semiahmoo, Blaine, and Birch Bay. There are a lot of opportunities for great photos...sunsets and occasional whale sightings at Birch Bay, Seals at Semiahmoo, birds at Drayton Harbor and the marina and Peace Arch Park in Blaine. Site #1 has full hookup; water septic, and electric. Site #2 with full hookups...water, septic, and electric and is shaded by some mature trees. These are big enough sites to be a fun family or group camp sites. Pets are allowed but need to be on leash or under voice control as we do have quite a bit of daytime traffic. Nights are very quiet. We have a small goat farm (pygmy goats) next door which the children enjoy seeing.
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$45
 / night

Other options near Birch Bay State Park

The best camping in Birch Bay State Park, WA 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.
88%
13 ratings · 2 reviews