Bay View State Park

4.16

155 reviews

Bay View State Park

Quick Facts

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Bay View State Park

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reviewer-reported fees: day-use fee / Discovery Pass option ($10) and campsite fees around $40 reported by reviewers. Actual fees and rates may vary...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 155 reviews

1035 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Overall camper sentiment is positive: reviewers praise the scenic bay views, clean restroom facilities, helpful camp hosts, beach access, and cozy cabins. Common positives include well-maintained bathrooms, easy RV access and plentiful wildlife. Criticisms focus on closely spaced sites in some loops, tide-dependent muddy beach at low tide, coin-operated showers, and occasional site drainage/condition issues."

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Fees & Passes at Bay View State Park

$10 - $40/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 14, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Washington State Parks website.

Best Time to Camp at Bay View State Park

Each season paints Bay View with its own character and charm. June brings the sweet perfume of wild roses mingling with cedar-scented air, while July tempts visitors with ripening wild blackberries along the trails. Summer evenings settle into peaceful calm, perfect for beach walks and sunset watching, though the bay occasionally reminds you of its wild side with breezy, dramatic weather that makes for cozy campfire nights. Best of all, mosquitoes rarely crash the party, letting you enjoy those long Pacific Northwest evenings in comfort.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Bay View State Park

Nestled along the shores of Padilla Bay, Bay View State Park is a waterfront gem where pebbled beaches meet sweeping views of island-dotted waters. This well-maintained park welcomes tent campers and RV travelers alike with comfortable sites, cozy rental cabins, spotless facilities with hot showers, and friendly volunteer hosts ready to help you make the most of your stay.

Campground supports a mix of overnight options including tent sites, RV/trailer sites with electric plug-ins, on-site cabins, and a group shelter area.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Bay View with its own character and charm. June brings the sweet perfume of wild roses mingling with cedar-scented air, while July tempts visitors with ripening wild blackberries along the trails. Summer evenings settle into peaceful calm, perfect for beach walks and sunset watching, though the bay occasionally reminds you of its wild side with breezy, dramatic weather that makes for cozy campfire nights. Best of all, mosquitoes rarely crash the party, letting you enjoy those long Pacific Northwest evenings in comfort.

Natural Features and SceneryJust steps from your campsite, a short stroll leads you to a captivating shoreline where colorful pebbles glisten and mudflats reveal their secrets at low tide. The bay stretches before you with mesmerizing island vistas, while overhead, bald eagles soar and owls call from the trees. Watch for playful bunnies hopping through the grounds and waterfowl gliding across the water. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's location next to the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where an interpretive center offers deeper insight into this rich coastal ecosystem.

Geological RegionPadilla Bay (coastal estuary)

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://washington.goingtocamp.com)

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Flush toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Campers reported easy beach access, a short trail, wildlife viewing, and nearby interpretive opportunities at Padilla Bay. Activities are tide-dependent for beach uses.

Hiking

Short walking trail(s) near the campground (one trail goes under the highway) and nearby Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve with an interpretive center mentioned by reviewers.

Swimming

Swimming is possible but highly tide-dependent; reviewers note warm water at times but extensive mudflats at low tide so time visits with the tide.

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsTidal flats and exposed muddy areas at low tide can be slippery and messy; some campsites have drainage issues (standing water, damp or eroded ground) reported by visitors. There is occasional airplane noise from a nearby municipal airport and visible city lights/homes adjacent to the park.

Weather at Bay View State Park

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 8.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsSome sites are very close together with limited privacy (especially front loop); beach can be muddy at low tide; showers are coin-operated; a few reviewers reported poorly drained or damp sites and uneven/eroded picnic tables at certain campsites.

Campground Map

Bay View State Park

Nearby places

Anacortes — about 15 minutes

Nearby supplies

Anacortes (about 15 minutes for groceries/supplies)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.2

155 reviews

Satisfactory

Bay View State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall camper sentiment is positive: reviewers praise the scenic bay views, clean restroom facilities, helpful camp hosts, beach access, and cozy cabins. Common positives include well-maintained bathrooms, easy RV access and plentiful wildlife. Criticisms focus on closely spaced sites in some loops, tide-dependent muddy beach at low tide, coin-operated showers, and occasional site drainage/condition issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 155 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views of Padilla Bay and sunsets; clean/restroom buildings and regular maintenance; cabins available (cozy, with small mini-fridge, microwave, heater); on-site store sells ice and firewood;...

Based on 155 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve cabins well in advance; bring bedding for cabins; bring quarters for coin showers; bring a Discovery Pass or be prepared to pay day-use fee; check tide times before planning beach/swimming...

Based on 155 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were very nice."; "Coin-operated showers — bring quarters."; "Sites are close together until you reach site 60 where you have a little bit more privacy."; "Cabins are cozy — bring your own...

Based on 155 reviews