The Mount Baker Wilderness is so beautiful that it draws locals and tourists alike. Camping here is peaceful, with campgrounds along rivers, and lakes, with quick access to the mountains.

There is so much to see, and so many trails to hike. Check out our road trip guide to ensure you don’t skip any of the sights during your visit.

Want to skip to the campground recommendations? Click on a link below to jump to a section.

Mount Baker Wilderness Campgrounds

Campgrounds near Bellingham

Dispersed camping

Campground reservations

Reserving these campsites are less competitive than campgrounds within Washington’s national parks. However, we still recommend reserving a site as soon as you have plans in place.

If the state and national park run campgrounds are full, consider using Hipcamp to reserve a spot at a private campground.

First-come, first-served campsites

Each of the campgrounds listed offer a small number of first-come, first-served campsites depending on the season. If you’re looking to get a campsite over the weekend, it’s best to come early on a Friday to reserve a site.

Camping gear

If you’re from out of state or don’t have camping gear, consider renting gear from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. If exploring in a van is more your style, check out Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.

Campground basics

All campgrounds provide water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (more on these below). You’ll find what each campground offers in the amenities section.

Check in and out times vary but are generally around 2 p.m. for check in and 12 p.m. for checkout. All campgrounds have quiet hours that are usually around 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

If you’ll be pitching a tent, look for a tent pad at your campsite – it will be a flat square with a wood perimeter to pitch your tent on. They vary in size, and not all campgrounds have them. If your campsite does have a tent pad, you must pitch your tent there. If your campground does not have tent pads, find a space in your campsite that is relatively open and flat to pitch your tent.

When booking, pay attention to campsite size. Most campsites fit between four and six people comfortably.

Fire pits

Fire pits can only be used when there is not a burn ban in place. You can check here to see fire danger and burn bans throughout Washington state, but fire bans are usually in place between July and September.

If there is not a burn ban in place, please purchase local firewood to burn to prevent bringing in invasive pests. Collecting firewood around the campground is not allowed – this wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.

Mount Baker Wilderness Campgrounds

Silver Lake Park

Located eight minutes off Highway SR 542, Silver Lake Park has three campgrounds, including lodge and cabin rentals. Camp here to enjoy lake access, boat rentals, and hiking trails between the campgrounds.

Amenities:

Boating rentals – rowboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddle boards
Boat launch
Day lodge
Hiking trails
Playground
Water and electric hookups
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 45 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 129

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Douglass Fir Campground

The Douglass Fir Campground is the closest campground to Glacier – the last town before the Mount Baker Wilderness begins. It’s a great location, close to town, but not far from the best parts of the scenic byway.

The campground is located on the North Fork Nooksack River. Some campsites are along the river’s edge while others are more forested.

Amenities:

Electric hookups
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 30 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 29

Typically open: Mid-May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Silver Fir Campground

This campground is off the beaten path. It’s small, quiet, and sits along the North Fork Nooksack River. Many of the campsites are next to the river, forested, and feel private.

Amenities:

Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 24 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 21

Typically open: Late May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Campgrounds near Bellingham

Bellingham is the nearest, larger town to the Mount Baker Wilderness. From there it’s an hour's drive to Glacier, WA, and another hour’s drive to the top of the highway (Artist Point).

Larrabee State Park

Larrabee State Park is nestled along the beautiful shoreline of Samish Bay, just 20 minutes outside of Bellingham. It was the first park in Washington to become a state park and has great access to hiking trails in the Chuckanut Mountains, and views of the San Juan Islands.

Amenities:

Trailer dump
Showers
Boat ramp
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: Up to 60 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 85

Typically open: Year-round

Maximum length of stay: 10 days

Birch Bay State Park

Located along the shores of Birch Bay, 30 minutes to the North of Bellingham, this campground offers spacious and shaded campsites only a few minutes walk from the beach.

Amenities:

Trailer dump
Showers
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: Up to 60 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 149

Typically open: Year-round

Maximum length of stay: 10 days

Thousand Creek Mount Vernon

Located 30 minutes south of Bellingham, campsites here are well forested and generally spacious and private.

Amenities:

Showers
Laundry facilities
Swimming pool
Store
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: Up to 45 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 60 days in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: No

Number of sites: 263

Typically open: Year-round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Thousand Trails Friday Creek

Friday Creek is located 30 minutes south of Bellingham, with campsites in open meadows. Friday Creek and the forest bordering the campground is beautiful, however it can be loud if there are events happening at the nearby Skagit Speedway.

Amenities:

Showers
Store
WiFi
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: Up to 45 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 60 days in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: No

Number of sites: 27

Typically open: June to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Dispersed camping

If you’re interested in dispersed camping, check out this blog with tips and information on dispersed camping in Washington. You’ll find dispersed campsites within the Mount Baker Wilderness, although there is no overnight parking at Artist Point. Overnight parking is allowed at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center and Bagley Lakes Trailhead.