How much does camping cost at Birch Bay State Park?

Camping fees at Birch Bay State Park range from $5-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Birch Bay State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Birch Bay State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Birch Bay State Park before I book?

Yes! Birch Bay State Park has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Birch Bay State Park?

Birch Bay State Park is open Park day-use hours vary by season (Summer: 6:30 a.m. – Dusk; Winter: 8 a.m. – Dusk). Camping: North Loop (sites 1–38) is first-come, first-served Sept. 16–May 14; the park is typically winterized by late November and de-winterized by late March; water may be shut off during winterization.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Birch Bay State Park?

Yes, Birch Bay State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Birch Bay State Park?

Fire policies at Birch Bay State Park: Fires allowed only in designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills permitted. Note active Burn Ban - Level 1 on file.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Birch Bay State Park have?

Birch Bay State Park has 167 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Birch Bay State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Birch Bay State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Birch Bay State Park?

Birch Bay State Park offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Birch Bay State Park?

Popular activities at Birch Bay State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Birch Bay State Park

4.42

214 reviews

5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$5 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

167 campsites

Season

Park day-use hours v...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Birch Bay State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$5 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

167 campsites

Season

Park day-use hours v...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Birch Bay State Park

$5.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Discover Pass: Annual Pass $45, One-day Pass $10. Overnight Unattended Vehicle Fee: $10 per night. Watercraft Launch Fee: $7 per day. Trailer Dump...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Going To Camp

Provider

(360) 371-2800

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Birch Bay State Park

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 214 reviews

1931 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersshadebeach

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the beach access, sunsets, clean restrooms/showers, well-kept campsites shaded by large trees, good facilities (boat launch, picnic areas, interpretive trail) and family-friendly activities like crabbing and tidepooling. A minority of reviewers cite noise from occasional vendors and campsites that can feel close together."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230

Birch Bay State Park

5105 Helweg Road, Blaine, WA 98230

Best Time to Camp at Birch Bay State Park

Summer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F daytime highs and the warmest, sunniest conditions. Saltwater temperatures stay cool (roughly 50–60°F) but swimming, boating, and shoreline fishing are most comfortable from June through August. Expect full reservations and higher weekend crowds in July and August, when ranger programs run and all amenities are open. The North Loop operates first-come, first-served from mid-September through mid-May, offering quieter camping for those willing to manage cooler, wetter conditions. The park typically winterizes in late November and reopens fully by late March, though winter camping continues in the North Loop with a dedicated water supply.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest, sunniest season; best for swimming, boating and beach activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park day-use hours vary by season (Summer: 6:30 a.m. – Dusk; Winter: 8 a.m. – Dusk). Camping: North Loop (sites 1–38) is first-come, first-served Sept. 16–May 14; the park is typically winterized by late November and de-winterized by late March; water may be shut off during winterization.

About Birch Bay State Park

Birch Bay State Park sits on a saltwater bay between Bellingham and Blaine, offering 167 campsites across tent, RV, primitive, and group options. Sites range from $5 to $45 per night and accommodate rigs up to 60 feet. The park includes a boat launch, interpretive trail, and direct beach access for crabbing, clamming, and tidepooling.

Mix of campground site types in a forested setting with day-use beach access: tent sites, standard sites, primitive sites and partial hookup/utility sites; one group camp is available.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to mid-70s°F daytime highs and the warmest, sunniest conditions. Saltwater temperatures stay cool (roughly 50–60°F) but swimming, boating, and shoreline fishing are most comfortable from June through August. Expect full reservations and higher weekend crowds in July and August, when ranger programs run and all amenities are open. The North Loop operates first-come, first-served from mid-September through mid-May, offering quieter camping for those willing to manage cooler, wetter conditions. The park typically winterizes in late November and reopens fully by late March, though winter camping continues in the North Loop with a dedicated water supply.

Natural Features and SceneryLarge cedars and Douglas firs shade most campsites, opening onto a shoreline that mixes rocky beaches, sandy stretches, and tidal flats. The Terrell Marsh interpretive trail winds through wetland habitat where visitors spot marine life in tidepools during low tides. Meadows and viewpoint areas frame distant mountain ranges across the bay. Seasonal wildflowers appear in spring and early summer. The beach itself is the main draw: accessible, family-friendly, and productive for shellfish harvesting when biotoxin closures aren't in effect.

Geological RegionSaltwater shoreline / Birch Bay (coastal bay)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Birch Bay State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Dump station

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Coastal park with beach and bay access offering boating and launches, paddle sports, shellfish harvesting and crabbing, beach exploration/tidepooling, interpretive trails, biking and hiking, plus seasonal interpretive programs and winter camping options.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsShellfish harvests may be affected by biotoxin closures (check official Shellfish Safety Map). The park may be winterized seasonally causing water shutdowns. (An active Burn Ban - Level 1 is noted in alerts.)

Weather at Birch Bay State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

214 reviews

Recommended

Birch Bay State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the beach access, sunsets, clean restrooms/showers, well-kept campsites shaded by large trees, good facilities (boat launch, picnic areas, interpretive trail) and family-friendly activities like crabbing and tidepooling. A minority of reviewers cite noise from occasional vendors and campsites that can feel close together.

Review Summaries

Based on 214 reviews

What Campers Love

Great beach and bay access, strong crabbing/clamming and tidepooling opportunities, clean bathrooms and showers, shaded campsites among large trees, convenient boat launch and on-site interpretive...

Based on 214 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a Discover Pass for day use. Check low tide and shellfish/biotoxin closures before harvesting and buy the required recreational license. Off-season (after Sept. 15) some sites operate...

Based on 214 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited