I stayed at Birch Bay State Park in early November just prior to Veterans Day. Although it was 50 degrees, it was sunny and pleasant! The leaves were falling and the colors were beautiful! I arrived on a Wednesday, and there were only three or four RV’s at the campground.
The utility sites are varying sizes, some are big enough for larger RV’s (40 foot). Of the 20 utility sites (with 30 amp service), only two have sewer hookup (the camp host’s spot, and Site #33). The camp host spot was vacant when I pulled in, but five minutes later, someone in a fifth wheel grabbed it because that party knew it had a sewer hookup. In addition to the utility sites, there are 147 standard/premium sites and a primitive group camp site that accommodates up to 40 people. The utility spots are in the North campground, open all year. The South campground is closed in winter. This campground reclassified some of their Standard sites into another category: PREMIUM. Basically, a “Premium” is a “Standard” (no hookup) campsite with a view of the bay (thus, charging extra for the view) The Premium site cost more than Standard, but less than Utility.
The utility sites are quite spacious, with a picnic table and fire ring. Tents are not allowed in the utility sites. Among the 20 utility sites are two sets of “two-zies” (where two RV’s can park right next to each other in case you travel with a buddy). The standard sites also have a good percentage of “paired” spots for camping with friends.
There is a privately owned laundry facility and store within a brisk walking distance from the park on Helweg Road. The town of Birch Bay is a longer walking distance along Birch Bay Drive.
You’ll get fantastic TV reception of mostly Canadian channels. If you want American channels, you’ll probably need a satellite dish.
There is a half mile hiking trail… and other activities include fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite flying, picnicking, and clamming/crabbing. Clamming and Crabbing were closed for 2006 due to red tide.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Birch%20Bay&pageno=1
You mention windsurfing. I’ve managed to master windsurfing over the last little while. Master is probably an overstatement but I can do it ok now.
Just thought I’d encourage anyone to get there and give the windsurfing a go. I’ts a hot sport
We stayed this year, two years later and same same. The campground was in a carpet of big leaf maple leaves in various shades of yellow. The birding was terrific and the Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail is a must.
Most of the camp is closed in winter leaving only the utility sites and a few perimeter dry sites open. The showers were hot and the bathrooms clean. There is a host and if your lucky to be a Washington State Resident and 55+ you can get an Off-Season Pass and you stay is only $6.00 a night for the utility spaces and free for dry spots.
I would certainly recommend this. JJ mentioned the TV. Radio is the same, mostly Canadian stations. There is a very small store right outside the park within walking distance if you don’t want to unhook.