Grand Opening of Mount Baker Farm!

— by Margie Doyle —

Mount Baker Farm now open for camping

Ruth Vandestraat, new owner of historic Mount Baker Farm, purchased from Rose Burton this year, plans a festive Grand Opening of the 80+ acre site this Saturday, June 17 form 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Train rides are offered at $3 for adults and $1 for children under 10. Parking on the site is $2 per car for 50 cars, “a limited number” and there is no parking along the road, Vandestraat says.

There is also an exclusive overnight camping price for locals —  50 percent off the cost of two nights camping on June 16 & June 17. The 48 sites range from a popup tent for the meadow for $35, or a a separate campsite for $45.  In addition, there are group sites for additional costs. Campers can bring there own camping gear, or rent a tent and accessories. Available packages are listed on the website, MountBakerFarm.com.

“We look forward to seeing you here and sharing our campground with you!” says Vandestraat.

Vandestraat has a background in property management, dating back to the 1970s. She lived on Orcas Island from 1983 to 2013, when she moved to Bellingham. When she found the Mount Baker Farm was for sale, she contacted Rose Burton, widow of Burton Burton, and bought the property this spring.

Although Vandestraat has no campground experience per se, she is confident that “Capt.” Barb Roddy, will be an able lead in managing the campgrounds. Roddy has been groundskeeper for the Mt. Baker Farm for several years.

The campground has had several soft openings, and the feedback has been great,” Vandestraat says. She envisions running the camping facility into October.