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Larrabee
Overview
Larrabee State Park holds a special place in history as the first state park in Washington, established in 1915. Located along the scenic shores of Samish Bay, this 2,748-acre park offers a rugged landscape that blends lush forests with a salty coastline. It serves as a premier destination for RVers who value natural preservation and historical significance. The park provides a tranquil atmosphere where the sound of the Pacific Northwest wilderness takes center stage for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
You will find this park nestled on the famous Chuckanut Drive, a winding cliffside highway known for its breathtaking views. The geography is characterized by dramatic sandstone cliffs and dense stands of Douglas fir and hemlock. From the shoreline, travelers can gaze across the water toward the San Juan Islands. Its proximity to Bellingham makes it an easy escape for those wanting to balance remote exploration with city conveniences just a short drive away.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features over 50 sites, including 26 utility spaces equipped with water and electricity. While there are no sewer hookups at the individual sites, a convenient dump station is located within the park grounds. Visitors have access to restrooms and showers, which are essential for those in smaller campers. The park is well-maintained, though the sites are generally better suited for mid-sized RVs due to the natural terrain and the historical layout of the camping loops.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from hiking the challenging trail to Oyster Dome to exploring the serene waters of Fragrance Lake. For those who prefer the beach, the park offers a boat launch and access to fascinating tide pools at Clayton Beach. The Historic Fairhaven District is just a few miles north, offering charming boutiques, local bookstores, and excellent dining options for those looking to spend an afternoon wandering through one of the region's most iconic neighborhoods.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who seek a scenic, rustic retreat rather than a commercial resort experience. It is perfect for hikers, photographers, and families who enjoy exploring the outdoors together. If you prefer falling asleep to the sound of the forest and waking up to saltwater breezes, Larrabee is a perfect fit. It is best suited for those with self-contained rigs who appreciate the quiet beauty of Washington's original protected landscape.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Misha Smith
Larrabee State Park is one of those places you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s Washington’s first state park, and it really has something for everyone—whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or camp. The park is very well maintained. Restrooms are clean, and there are showers available for campers, which is a huge plus if you’re staying multiple nights. Campsites are shaded by tall evergreens, and many offer privacy. Conveniently located just outside of Bellingham, the park is close enough to town that you can easily grab forgotten supplies, yet once you’re in the park you don’t hear the highway at all. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels completely tucked away in nature. Larrabee is known for its beach access—great skipping rocks, or simply relaxing by the water. The hiking trails range from easy family-friendly walks to more challenging routes, with views that are well worth the effort. Kids will especially enjoy the shaded areas and open spaces to play. The park is surrounded by trees, which provide plenty of shade and a sense of seclusion. It’s an excellent place for families, groups, or even solo travelers looking for a peaceful getaway in nature. Between the clean facilities, great hiking, beach access, and proximity to Bellingham, this park offers the perfect balance of convenience and outdoor adventure. We will definitely be returning, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Krista Gordon
Larrabee is such a beautiful accessible park, beach, and boat launch with great views of the San Juan Islands. Wildcat Cove to Dot Island is a nice kayak trip along the sandstone shore with herons and seals to add to the enjoyment.
Kyla Lopez
I normally love this state park and I have camped here a few years in a row, this time our experience was not the best. When we pulled in and got out of the car, we smelt this awful stench. I immediately thought something was rotting in our campsite. We searched the campsite high and low. I truly thought there was rotten crab somewhere. I then realized that the garbage bin was letting out the most repulsive smell ever, and the whole back half of the campground could smell it. In addition, the trail down to the beach is not kept up and lastly, the water has been overtaken by sea grass so my children couldn’t swim. The playground area was well kept up.
Md Borkot Ali Khan Shimul
Breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and the perfect mix of forest and beach. Every step feels like a reset for the mind. The sound of the waves, the fresh air, and the beauty all around made this a truly unforgettable day. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature, calm moments, and stunning scenery. Can’t wait to go back!
Rowdy KiloNiner
UPDATE: we have now come back 4 years later and it is still great! The bathrooms were really clean and the campsites were awesome. We had a great time! This time we used the trailer/ RV area and everything worked great and we had an awesome weekend! Highly recommended, but again get ready for the train noises. Camping at Larabee state park was amazing!!! We had an issue with a rude person, but the park ranger got that settled quickly and professionally. The atmosphere is beautiful, watching sunset with my love at the beach was breathtaking. The trains did come a few times, but we are locals and are pretty used to the train schedule. Our site had some drainage issues, but that is noted on the website. Our site had good privacy and the bathrooms were clean. We definitely will be coming back!! I will say, the trails are awesome and I was able to manage walking from the camp sites to the beach, even with a broken ankle.