Birch Bay State Park
Notice: Burn Ban - Level 1 — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- $10 per dayAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- parks.wa.gov(360) 371-2800
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Fire restriction Burn Ban - Level 1Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Whatcom County, about 5 miles south of Blaine, Birch Bay State Park covers about 664 acres.
Visitors come for snorkeling and diving, surfing, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites and showers).
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other — Summer | Daily | 6:30 a.m. – sunset | — |
| Other — Winter | Daily | 8 a.m. – sunset | — |
Official wording
Summer: 6:30 a.m. - Dusk
Winter: 8 a.m. - Dusk
Winter Schedule: Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Discover pass: Annual Pass | $45 · year |
| One-day Pass | $10 |
| Watercraft Launch Fee | $7 · boat |
| Trailer Dump Fee | $5 |
| Overnight Unattended Vehicle Fee | $10 |
Official wording
Discover pass: • Annual Pass: $45 • One-day Pass: $10 • Watercraft Launch Fee: $7 for the day • Trailer Dump Fee: $5 per use • Entrance fees: Varies • Overnight Unattended Vehicle Fee: $10 per night
Washington park passes
- Discover Pass (annual) — $45. Day-use vehicle access to state parks (and DNR/WDFW lands) Details
- Discover Pass (one-day) — $10. Day-use vehicle access for one day Details
From the Washington state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Not required
- Booking system
- Camis (washington.goingtocamp.com)
- Phone
- (888) 226-7688
16 to May 14 is first-come, first-served in the North Loop campground (sites 1-38).
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs Allowed on Leash • Dogs Allowed on Leash
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
Camping
The campground offers standard, primitive sites and partial hookup sites in a forested area. The park accommodates RVs and combinations of 60 feet or less in length.
Camping from Sept. 16 to May 14 is first-come, first-served in the North Loop campground (sites 1-38). Please note that water may be shut off during these months for winterization. The park is typically winterized by late November and de-winterized by late March. There is a winter water supply in the North Loop.
Camping amenities listed: Accessible Campsites, Double campsites, Showers, Trash Service, Trailer Dump
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Birch Bay Heron Centerhttps://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/birch-bay-state-park/birch-bay-heron-center
Rentals: Birch Bay Heron Center
Things to do
BikingWildlife viewing and birdingBoatingCampingFishingHikingCanoeing and kayakingSnorkeling and scubaSwimmingSurfingPicnicking
Fishing
Crabbing and shellfish harvesting
Birch Bay is a popular destination for harvesting clams, muscles and oysters. The harvest season is typically open year-round but may be affected by Biotoxin closures. To check shellfish safety, please visit the Washington Shellfish Safety Map managed by the Department of Heath and Department of Fish and Wildlife. Crabbing season normally begins mid-August.
A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Drinking water
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Amphitheater
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
Camping
- Tent camping
Accessibility
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible campsites
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible campsites
- Accessible restrooms
Accessible facilities listed: Accessible Campsites, Accessible Restrooms, Accessible Parking
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Horses Allowed
Getting there
- Address
- 5105 Helweg Road
Blaine, WA 98230 - Nearest town
- Blaine — about 5 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 48.9089, -122.7630
- Phone
- (360) 371-2800
- birch.bay@parks.wa.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Washington State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Washington State Parks Find Parks directory (paged Drupal view), joined to WSPRC ParkBoundaries ArcGIS layer for coordinates/category
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology