Hi! squatter looking for info - cheers!

[dirtbagger]

Hi, I'm currently enjoying the dirt-bag lifestyle in the pacific northwest, I've been here a little over a year. I work odd temp jobs and love the mountains and recreation opportunities here, bc skiing in particular. The snow is dwindling fast in these sultry days, and I'm looking to kick back by a beach with my camper, dog, some good books, and a little beer.
Frustrations quickly arise when trying to find a suitable location. To me, a newcomer, it seems the relatively little public beach access there is in WA state, is guarded by state park fees, day use only---cops come around and hassle you. Is there no hope? Is there no place where a guy can just car camp near a beach area, and not be hassled by some authority with a control/power problem? I am respectful of the land, I don't litter, throw parties, etc... I'd definitely appreciate a few tips on cool areas to chill out for a few. I know of some such areas near the volcanoes, and would be glad to swap info. I get so angry with all the fees the state/government makes us pay for camping and stuff -- I know the fees fund the trail maintenance etc... but taxing recreationalists more than we are already from wages etc... is bull#$% -- especially when we are already being bent over by gas prices -- arghh!
Anyway, glad to be part of this forum!

[Decidion]

What is the dirt-bag lifestyle?

I understand what you are saying. Unfortunately a select few have ruined these kinds of opportunities for the vast majority of us, and there is probably no going back. At least in the continental US.

The only places I know of that you can freely live that kind of lifestyle (or as freely as you can get anyway) is either Mexico or Alaska, and most of the Alaska stuff is only accessible by water. But even there, Fish and Game are like gods. I've seen them put away someone longer for killing a moose out of season than another human being.

[T.Low]

Unfortunately, most "cool areas" are in high demand, so either the State grabs them up, or they go to the highest bidder.

What type of camper are you sporting? There are some cool areas that are not all that accessible to most "campers". Lets see some pics of this rig.

There is a place I know of. Its only about a 1/4 from the beach in Bellinhgam at the end of Cornwall Ave, Its across from the old GP facility that is currnetly being torn down. You'll know the spot by all the crappy old campers that hang out there.


Edit: I remembered another place on the water. Right behind the mini mart on Lummi Penninsula. Right on Hales Pass. View of Lummi Island, Portage Island, Sucia, and Matia. Sweet spot. Watch your step though, last time I went kayaking there, I came back to find some old woman taking a crap right next to my van. I didn't like that very much.

[dirtbagger]

Nasty! right next to the van? just nasty.

Thanks for the tips, I actually stayed at that first place you described a quater mile from Bellingham a few times -- that is before I got booted by the police at 3am. The bridge under the Nooksack on the road to Baker is another place I got booted by the badge late night.

[T.Low]

Nasty! right next to the van? just nasty.

Thanks for the tips, I actually stayed at that first place you described a quater mile from Bellingham a few times -- that is before I got booted by the police at 3am. The bridge under the Nooksack on the road to Baker is another place I got booted by the badge late night.

I thought you might be a troll.