New campground in the works

At the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee Meeting (PRCAC) on June 20, community member Lorne Nielson presented a forthcoming project in collaboration with local landowner Jason McDougall. The project, currently under review by Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, involves the development of a campground and RV park on a 50-acre property located at the junction of Mill and Johnson Road.
Nielson emphasized that despite the property's size, the campground area will primarily occupy the corner of Johnson and Mill roads. The facility will feature mostly rustic tent sites alongside RV sites equipped with electrical and water hookups, though no sewer hookups will be provided. A dump station will be available for RV waste disposal.
The campground's theme will highlight its natural surroundings, boasting some of Point Roberts' oldest trees. Nielson expressed a commitment to preserving these trees, stating, “We're really going to try to keep […] many trees, especially all of the old ones.” The majority of the campsites will be nestled among the trees, offering visitors a serene outdoor experience.
Visible from the road will be a sign and an entrance building for registration and supplies, with a manager's residence spanning 900-1000 square feet also planned on-site. The remainder of the property will be kept natural, featuring a trail system for hiking through the forest. There will also be two bathroom facilities with showers and toilets.
Originally slated for subdivision, existing roads will be utilized to minimize disturbance to the trees during construction. Nielson assured, “If we have to clear a few areas, we will be very selective when we are doing that.”
When asked about the target audience, Nielson clarified that the campground aims to accommodate short stays for tourists rather than long-term residency. “We don't want RVs parked there year-round,” he emphasized, expressing a preference against a permanent trailer park setup.
Despite the enthusiasm, Nielson acknowledged the challenges ahead in the permitting process, particularly regarding septic system design. The project is planned to be phased, with an initial phase targeting approximately 60 spots and a subsequent phase potentially adding another 60-80 spots, aiming for a total of around 160 spots.
“We would really like to be open by next summer, but it’s going to be a huge challenge,” Nielson concluded.
The project will proceed through further regulatory steps before any opening date can be confirmed.