Camping in Birch Bay is something special. Whether you’re waking up to the smell of salt air, taking in a quiet sunrise, or ending your day with a campfire on the beach, Birch Bay delivers the kind of coastal camping experience people come back for year after year. This guide covers the best places to camp, how to prepare, and the top things to do while you’re here!
Top Campgrounds in and around Birch Bay
Birch Bay State Park
The most iconic campgrounds, set in a beautiful, seaside state park. Birch Bay State Park offers:
- Forested tent and RV sites just steps from the beach
- Partial-hookup RV sites, showers, potable water, fire pits, and picnic areas
- Tidepools, clamming, crabbing, birdwatching, and one of the best sunset viewpoints in the county
- Easy beach access for kayaking and paddleboarding
Reservations are recommended during peak months.
Sun Retreats Birch Bay
Perfect if you want a balance between camping and comfort. This location offers:
- Tent sites, full-hookup RV sites, and small cottage rentals
- Laundry, restrooms, picnic areas, and a clubhouse
- A wooded setting close to the beach
- Quick access to downtown Birch Bay and water sports
Check availability here!
Other Local Options
If you’re looking for alternatives or quieter stays, consider:
- Beachside RV Park
- Lighthouse by the Bay RV Resort
- Beachcomber RV Park
Each provides easy access to the bay and local recreation.
The Beauty of Camping in Birch Bay
Birch Bay offers a unique mix of calm water, long stretches of shoreline, forested trails, and spectacular sunsets. It’s one of the few places in Washington where you can camp under the trees and be on the beach in under a minute.
A Relaxed Coastal Vibe
Mornings feel slow and quiet while you’re camping in Birch Bay. Afternoons open up for beach play, paddling, exploring, and wandering through town. Evenings bring some of the best sunsets in the Pacific Northwest—wide open skies that shift from blue to orange to pink.
Great for Families and Groups
From tidepooling to sandy beach walks to s’mores at night, Birch Bay offers something for all ages. And because the bay is so calm, it’s perfect for beginner paddlers and casual beachgoers.
How to Be Comfortable and Prepared
Book Ahead
Camping in Birch Bay requires a bit of preparation. Campgrounds fill up quickly in summer, especially Birch Bay State Park. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Prepare for Coastal Weather
Layers are key. Even warm days cool off quickly at the water. Make sure you pack:
- A warm jacket for evenings
- Rain shell or windbreaker
- Sturdy footwear for both forest trails and rocky beach areas
Bring the Right Gear
- A good cooler
- Camp stove or portable grill
- Headlamps or lanterns
- Chairs for beach sunsets
- Dry bags if you plan to paddle
- Portable hammocks for lounging in the woods
Know the Local Guidelines
- Check burn bans and fire regulations
- Follow shellfish advisories if clamming or crabbing
- Pack out all trash and keep campsites secure from animals
Things to Do While Camping in Birch Bay
Birch Bay is packed with activities that fit right into a camping trip.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or someone that wants to try kayaking for the first time, Birch Bay is the perfect spot to get out on a kayak or paddleboard. Because of Birch Bay’s unique location and topography, the bay is shallow, warm, and usually calm and glassy. In the summer, you can spot harbor seals, otters, bald eagles, harbor porpoises, and even the occasional whale! If you don’t have a kayak or paddleboard (or you decided to leave yours behind), don’t fret! Birch Bay Carts and Rentals has everything you need to easily, comfortably explore Birch Bay’s calm waters. We’re also tidal experts and can recommend the perfect window for paddling – just give us a call!
Explore the Beach
Birch Bay is a unique spot that offers up space for all of your favorite beach activities. It’s gradual slope means that when the tide is low, you can walk almost half a mile from the shoreline along sand and tidepools before reaching the water! Whether you enjoy hunting for shells, checking out tidepools, or relaxing on the sand, Birch Bay has you covered.
Bike Around the Bay
The flat terrain makes Birch Bay perfect for easy rides. You can bike to the state park, around the main waterfront, or down quieter roads and trails. There is so much to explore and it’s easy to get everywhere you need by bike! Leave yours at home? No problem! Give Birch Bay Carts and Rentals a call and we’d be happy to rent you one. Or, if you’re looking to pick up a new set of wheels while you’re here, John at Birch Bay Bike Shop has you covered.
Visit Local Restaurants and the Brewery
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you’re limited to food cooked over a fire! After a day at the beach or paddling, Birch Bay offers great local spots to unwind. Check out Beach Cat Brewing – an award winning brewery with outdoor seating right on the water. They have food trucks available every day and are right next to The Beach at Birch Bay – the world’s only 5-star dive bar!
Looking for something more food-forward? Check out CJs Beachhouse or the Bay Breeze – two restaurants in the heart of Birch Bay with incredible views and a variety of options. If it’s coffee or lighter fare you’re after, Baywood Coffee and The Way Cafe have you covered!
Why a Golf Cart Rental Makes a Big Difference
Birch Bay is a designated golf cart zone and in the summer, you won’t find a parking lot that isn’t packed with colorful, cool carts. Locals know it’s the best way to get around – they’re easy, fun, and a huge part of our community. While you’re camping in Birch Bay, rent a cart so you can park the car and fully immerse yourself in the Birch Bay lifestyle!
- Use it to haul your chairs, coolers, and essentials from the campsite to the beach
- Hop on the cart when it’s time to grab coffee or dinner
- Load up the family and grab ice cream before a sunset cruise
- Turn your quick errands into fun little adventures
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full week, most campers who rent a cart say it becomes their favorite part of the trip. Book online and we’ll make sure your Birch Bay camping trip is one you’ll never forget!