Birch Bay State Park RV & Campground Guide
Washington
- Home
- State Parks
- Washington
- Birch Bay State Park
A popular northwest Washington tourist attraction, Birch Bay State Park is located nine miles south of Blaine in Whatcom County. Established in 1954, the park encompasses a whopping 194 acres with 8,299 feet of saltwater shoreline. Its name comes from the botanist Archibald Menzies, a participant in the 1792 Vancouver expedition. He appreciated the area's abundance of black birch trees and wanted to give it a name that reflected this quality. Also close to Birch Bay State Park is Bellingham, an exciting university city about 20 miles south of the park, and the Canadian border just past Blaine.
Spring 28-61 F
Summer 44-72 F
Fall 29-64 F
Winter 23-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Birch Bay State Park
State parks are great places to explore if you are looking to get away, and there is hardly a better way to experience them than by RVing. These recreational vehicles afford their owners the convenience to get around vast state parks without having to sacrifice space and comfort in return.
Thousand Trails' Birch Bay Campground
If you are looking for a campground that embodies what Birch Bay State Park is all about, Thousand Trails' just might be the way to go. The location is not just close to the state park; it is located on Birch Bay, the largest tide flat in Washington. At this campground, you have the opportunity to take part in exhilarating activities like crabbing and boating. With waterslides, a seasonal pool, and planned activities for children, the whole family can stay entertained while you make the most of your getaway.
Lighthouse by the Bay RV Resort
Thousand Trails' may be a great spot, but it is not the only attractive option in the area. Lighthouse by the Bay is a charming location that places you within walking distance of Birch Bay. It takes less than 15 minutes to drive from the sight to Cherry Point Refinery, Water Slide Park, or Peace Arch Border Crossing. In addition to convenience, the campground also provides to its patrons a comfortable experience with handy amenities. The sites are spacious enough to accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length as well as parking for two cars.
What to Do at
Birch Bay State Park
Inside Birch Bay State Park
If you should choose to spend time at Birch Bay, you will be pleased with the number of exciting activities that exist within the bounds of the park. Camping is quite popular at Birch Bay, and there are 147 different tent spaces for you to choose from. In addition, the park includes 126 picnic tables for those looking to spend a relaxing afternoon appreciating Birch Bay's wonderful atmosphere. Furthermore, the park offers more fast-paced ventures such as kayaking for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Whatever your preferences may be, it is highly unlikely that you will grow tiresome of the beautiful surroundings during a stay at Birch Bay State Park.
Outside Birch Bay State Park
Once you've completed your adventure into Birch Bay State Park, you should take some time to enjoy the attractions just outside the park. Sightseeing, shopping, and quality dining are among the opportunities you can take advantage of. Some of the best options are in Blaine and just over the border in Canada.
Restaurants
CJ's Beach House
Located near the water, CJ's Beach House is a cozy destination that offers great burgers, seafood, cheesesteaks, and more.
Type: American
Location: 7878 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
Birch Bay Teriyaki & Chinese Buffet
If you're in the mood for Chinese food, you may want to check out Birch Bay Teriyaki & Chinese Buffet, a popular spot that happens to be located on the same street as CJ's.
Type: Chinese
Location: 8036 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
The C Shop
A favorite among locals, The C Shop is one of the best places in the area to get a pizza. They also offer a variety of sweets, including caramel corn and snow cones.
Type: Pizza
Location: 4825 Alderson Road Birch Bay, Blaine, WA 98230
Scampi Osteria
If you find yourself craving Italian food, you should definitely consider Scampi Osteria. The elegant dining room and friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic place to have a meal.
Type: Italian
Location: 4823 Alderson Rd, Blaine, WA 98230
Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar
Consider stopping at Bay Breeze Restaurant & Bar if you are looking for an establishment that captures the unique atmosphere of the park and its surrounding areas. The food is great here too.
Type: American
Location: 7829 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine, WA 98320
Shopping
Beach Shack Gifts
Beach Shack Gifts is a wonderful gift shop that offers souvenirs for travelers to take home. Whether you want to buy a present for a friend or a personal memento, this spot is worth a visit.
Location: 4825 Alderson Rd, Birch Bay, WA 98230
The Market at Birch Bay
If you are planning for a longer stay and know you will need to go grocery shopping, you might want to check out The Market at Birch Bay. Located conveniently near the park, it is one of the best places in the area to go shopping for fresh, local food.
Location: 8125 Birch Bay Square St, Blaine, WA 98230
Horseshoe Coins & Antiques
This is a perfect stop for those who want something to remember the area by. The shop’s vintage items are charming and decorative.
Location: 810 Peace Portal Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
Birch Bay Square
Head over to Birch Bay Square if you want to spend some time at a quality shopping mall.
Location: 8115 Birch Bay Square St, Blaine, WA 98230
Bellis Fair
The largest shopping center in Whatcom County is Bellis Fair, which houses 87 stores in addition to many restaurants.
Location: 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226
Sightseeing
White Rock Pier
White Rock Pier is a beautiful boardwalk that allows you to experience the ocean and take in views you will not soon forget.
Location: 15322 White Rock Promenade, White Rock, BC V4B 1E2, Canada
Point Whitehorn Marine Park
Another great destination to check out near Birch Bay is Point Whitehorn Marine Park. Located about a mile and a half from the state park, this is a delightful area that vacationers frequent to see wildlife and experience nature in an authentic form.
Location: 6899 Koehn Rd #6601, Blaine, WA 98230
Peace Arch Historical State Park
Located right on the U.S.-Canada border, Peace Arch Historical State Park is a unique 19-acre day-use park. You can participate in bird-watching, walking tours, and more.
Location: 19 A St, Blaine, WA 98231
Birch Bay Waterslides
Popular among Birch Bay residents, Birch Bay Waterslides is a small water park that has been in business for 35 years.
Location: 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Blaine, WA 98230
Blaine Marine Park
Just over six miles from Birch Bay State Park, Blaine Marine Park is one of the best spots around for bird watching.
Location: 272 Marine Dr, Blaine, WA 98230
How to Get to
Birch Bay State Park
The park is located in the northwestern corner of Washington, 10 miles south of the Canadian border. If you plan on driving, Interstate 5 is the most efficient and direct route up to Birch Bay. You'll take the exit for Grandview Road/Route 548 and head west. Right before you get to the ocean, you'll turn right on Point Whitehorn Road, which turns into Birch Bay Drive and leads into the park.
Entering Birch Bay State Park
Birch Bay State Park stays open year-round with hours of operation that depend on the season. During the summer, the park opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at dusk. Once winter rolls around, hours of operation change to 8 a.m. to dusk.
Birch Bay State Park Per vehicle : $10.0
It is tough to deny that Birch Bay State Park is a wonderful travel destination for an RV camping trip. You should feel welcome to share your experience by tagging RVshare in your social media posts, we'd love to see them. You can send your favorite trip photos to [email protected] as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Bay State Park
Birch Bay State Park has a moderate climate throughout the year. During winter, it gets pretty rainy, and the temperatures range from 33 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit. During summer, the temperature tops out at around 72.
Typically, the best times to visit Birch Bay State Park are between June and August. If you visit during summer, it should be fairly warm, and you can avoid the rain while enjoying outdoor activities.
Of the 167 total campsites at Birch Bay State Park, 20 are designated RV campsites. The 20 RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long and come equipped with partial hookups.
Birch Bay State Park is inhabited by a variety of aquatic creatures, mammals, and birds. Some of the species you might see include deer, muskrats, skunks, eagles, geese, herons, oysters, seals, and starfish.
As long as you keep them leashed, you're welcome to have your pets with you in most areas of the park. However, pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches.