Lummi Island Campground

For Washington locals dreaming of a truly unique and secluded island camping adventure, Lummi Island Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a hidden gem, accessible primarily by boat, tucked away within the expansive 650-plus acre Lummi Island Conservation Area. Imagine paddling along the serene waters of the Salish Sea, discovering a discreet cove, and setting up camp right on the waterfront with breathtaking views of Samish Island and Bellingham Bay. Lummi Island Campground is designed for those who appreciate solitude, natural beauty, and the quiet thrill of a boat-in only experience. It's particularly ideal for kayakers and small boat enthusiasts who are prepared for a rustic yet rewarding escape. If you're a Washingtonian seeking a peaceful retreat far from the bustling crowds, where wildlife thrives and the stars shine bright, this discreet campground promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest's island wilderness. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this special place, highlighting what makes it so appealing to local outdoor adventurers.

Lummi Island Campground is located on Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA. However, simply having an address for this location is just the beginning of understanding its accessibility. This campground is unequivocally a "boat-in only" campsite, meaning there is no vehicle access. To reach Lummi Island itself, Washington locals typically take the Whatcom Chief ferry from Gooseberry Point (on the mainland near Bellingham) to Lummi Island. The ferry ride is short, usually 5-10 minutes. Once on the island, the campground is about "1.5 miles north of the the south end of Lummi on the east side." Identifying the specific cove where the campground resides can be challenging; reviewers note it's a "very hard to find place." It's described as an "even smaller cove" just south of the "small Reil inlet," often marked on NOAA charts with a "little boat symbol." The gravel beach provides a landing spot for dinghies and kayaks. While small cruisers can "squeeze in," the cove itself is "dinky," potentially requiring a stern tie or careful anchoring to avoid rocks, and is "not a good spot to anchor... during a blow." This remote, boat-in nature ensures a true sense of seclusion and adventure, appealing to those who cherish a quiet escape. For Washington paddlers and small boat owners, the journey to Lummi Island Campground is an integral part of the unique experience, promising a truly off-grid retreat within easy reach of the mainland.

Lummi Island Campground offers a curated selection of essential services, designed to support a primitive, Leave No Trace camping experience within its unique boat-in only environment. The focus is on providing core necessities while preserving the natural integrity of the Lummi Island Conservation Area.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features "five sites" in total. Four main campsites are available, with space for "2 to 3 medium tents" each, providing adequate room for small groups. A "5th camping area with space for 1 tent" is located "a bit of a walk to the north," offering even more seclusion for solo campers or very small parties.
• Picnic Tables: "Each site has a picnic table," offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Campers can utilize "campfire rings" at each site for safe and contained fires. It's crucial to bring your own firewood and always check for current fire bans and restrictions.
• Composter Outhouse / Pit Toilets: The campground is equipped with a "composter outhouse" or "two pit toilets" within a short walk of the main campsites. These facilities provide basic sanitation, contributing to a more comfortable primitive camping experience.
• Food Storage Area: There is a "food storage area for those that may not have hard sides and locking hatches." This is a critical amenity for protecting food from wildlife and is likely a bear-resistant locker or similar communal storage, essential for responsible camping in a natural area.
• Gravel Beach for Landing: A "large gravel beach for landing" provides a convenient and safe spot for beaching kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft.
• Hiking Trail: There is a "short loop trail to hike" within the conservation area, offering opportunities for stretching legs and exploring the immediate surroundings.
• No Potable Water: It's important to note that, as a primitive site, there is "no water" provided. Campers must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from the marine environment (though lake/river water is preferable for filtering).

The features and highlights of Lummi Island Campground are what truly set it apart, creating a deeply rewarding experience for Washington locals seeking a unique coastal wilderness adventure. These aspects resonate with those who cherish tranquility, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventurous spirit.

• Waterfront Seclusion: As a "small five site waterfront campground," it offers an intimate and exclusive experience directly on the shore. This direct access to the water provides breathtaking views and immediate opportunities for paddling and enjoying the marine environment.
• "Boat In Only" Access: This defining feature ensures exceptional peace and quiet. The effort required to reach the campground by boat filters out casual visitors, preserving its pristine nature and providing a truly uncrowded experience for those who make the journey. It's "perfect for kayakers" but can accommodate a "small cruiser."
• Located within Lummi Island Conservation Area: The campground is part of a "650 plus acre Lummi Island Conservation Area," which includes "forested shorelines with steep, rocky headlands" and old-growth Douglas-fir. This natural protection provides excellent habitat for "bald eagles, other birds of prey and marine birds," making it ideal for wildlife viewing.
• "Mostly Secret Cove": Reviewers describe it as a "mostly secret cove," emphasizing its hidden nature and appealing to those who enjoy discovering less-known, special places.
• Stunning Views: The campground offers magnificent "eastern view of Bellingham Bay and Mt. Baker" on clear days, and views of Samish Island. Porpoises, seals, and waterfowl are commonly seen, enhancing the scenic beauty.
• Commitment to Maintenance by Enthusiasts: The site is "maintained by the Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts (WAKE)," who actively "clean the outhouses, pick up trash," and "restore the trails." This dedicated volunteer effort ensures the campground remains clean, safe, and enjoyable despite its primitive nature.
• Cascadia Marine Trail Site: This campground is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, a system of campsites designed for non-motorized boaters along Puget Sound, which speaks to its suitability for paddle sports and its historical significance for marine travel.
• Thoughtful Layout: "The thoughtfulness of the campground layout provides for privacy between each campsite," ensuring a comfortable and secluded "home away from home for a night or extended stay."
• Wildlife Presence: While specific sightings are never guaranteed, reviews suggest a relatively low presence of aggressive "camp robbers" like raccoons, emphasizing a clean environment. Socialized mice are noted, but general wildlife like "eagles, deer," and marine animals add to the natural allure.

Given that Lummi Island Campground is a remote, boat-in only site within the Lummi Island Conservation Area, it is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with significant maintenance support from the Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts (WAKE). Therefore, there isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. The phone numbers provided in the prompt are not directly associated with the official management or booking for this specific campground based on public data; they appear to be generic or non-specific.

Address: Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA (This address broadly defines the island but is not a physical street address for direct navigation to the campsite itself).

For all official information regarding Lummi Island Campground, including its current status, regulations, and any potential permit requirements (though current information states "No reservation; first come first served"), the best course of action is to contact the relevant managing authority:

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

For inquiries about Natural Resources Conservation Areas and DNR-managed recreation sites in the Northwest Region, you would typically contact the DNR Northwest Region natural areas manager. Public information sources suggest a contact number such as (360) 856-3500 for the DNR Northwest Region.

Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts (WAKE):

As active maintainers of the site, WAKE's website (wake.clubexpress.com) often provides valuable, up-to-date information and tips for visiting the Lummi DNR Campground, as they refer to it. While they don't manage reservations, their insights are highly relevant for paddlers.

It is essential to check official DNR websites or contact their regional offices for the most accurate and current information before planning your boat-in trip, as conditions and regulations can change.

Lummi Island Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals, particularly those in the greater Puget Sound and Bellingham areas, who are seeking a unique and deeply immersive island wilderness experience. Its "boat-in only" access, while requiring a bit more planning and effort, is precisely what preserves its stunning tranquility and keeps it from becoming overcrowded. For kayakers, canoeists, and small boat owners, it offers the thrill of a maritime journey culminating in a secluded waterfront campsite. The location within the Lummi Island Conservation Area provides not only breathtaking views of the Salish Sea and distant mountains but also abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, from marine birds to eagles. The commitment of local volunteer groups like WAKE to maintain the site ensures it remains clean and enjoyable, reflecting a shared community value for preserving these precious natural spaces. While primitive, the presence of picnic tables, fire rings, outhouses, and food storage lockers provides essential comforts for a rustic stay. For the Washingtonian yearning for a true escape, a peaceful connection with nature, and a unique island adventure right in their own backyard, Lummi Island Campground stands out as a highly recommended and truly special destination.

Lummi Island Campground

Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA