Silver Reef Casino

We have stayed in the Silver Reef Casino parking lot several times now, as it makes a good free camping option for heading RVers heading into British Columbia or visiting the Bellingham area.

The casino is in a quiet area near Ferndale, with little else immediately around. The RV parking area is really just the back parking lot near the employee parking area. There aren't designated RV parking sites, but a call to their security department will confirm that there is available space and that no events are shutting down the lot.

Make sure to go inside and register for a player's card; you'll get coupons for the restaurants in the casino and some free slot money. The staff has always been super accommodating to us, so we like to support their business with dinner or a little gaming--especially since we're camping for free.

There were probably 10 other RVs here in a side lot at the casino. Plenty of space and much quieter than some other casino's we have spent the night at. Security loops around once in a while but didnt raise any issues with anyone while we were there. The casino itself is pretty smokey, but otherwise pretty standard slot heavy spot.

We parked on the other side of the road from the casino, since the RV lot was pretty full. It was great! We were by a field, we could get our chairs out and enjoy this nice free spot. There is security driving around all night, which was an added bonus!

Found this spot on Campendium while heading south from Banff. Great parking lot camping. Feel safe about 10 other campers here. Would stay again. Have straight talk cell service

Stayed here 2 different nights on our trip to Bellingham area. Great spot. About a dozen others.

Real nice Casino. Security is awesome.

We’ll be back

Having had a successful visit at the Snoqualmie Casino and planning to head into Canada we opted to stop here for a few days to explore the Bellingham area and visit Mt Baker.
This casino has a dump and fresh water (ask the security guard to show you where-it's in back) and they allow 4 nights in Lot B (the lot furthest south from the casino) . There are no designated sites so people park as they wish and there was plenty of room. Some areas of the lot are more level than others but we had no problem. People also tend to park parallel to the "islands" where there is a bit of grass and parking on the north side of these islands means you won't be facing into the hot western sun.
As for the casino-for free you can get a player's card. Even if you don't use it to play there are other perks. It gets you a $5 coupon for the buffet which is excellent-prices vary every night and there isn't one on Wed. Seafood on Fri. There are 2 other restaurants but pricey. It will also get you 15% off any treatments you may want to get at their spa which will also give you access to the pool, sauna, steam room and showers. There is also a really nice gift shop with locally made (First People) items. This casino is part of the Lummi Nation. And if it's your birthday month you'll get a coupon for a free buffet.
Location wise it's great as you'r 5 min from !-5 which takes you right to Bellingham or Ferndale. It's a 2 hour drive to Artist Point on Mt Baker or an hour to Nooksack Falls if you don't want to go all the way up. If you head west from the casino you are 15 min from the coast with gorgeous sunsets.

Aug 2021
Just an update. Still a fav place. No more than 10 others in big lots even on wkends. Quiet, beautiful surroundings.
We stayed out of the casino this time as it was just over being a covid hotspot. Still waiting for the seafood buffet to open up.
The dump is hard to get to for big rigs.
Scout it out first!
Bellingham is 15-20 min away. Lots of groc stores & Walmart. Lots of restaurants & churches.
Twin sisters creamery 10 min (best homestead & blue cheese!) also Appel creamery 20 min ( Gouda is really good)
Plenty of thrift stores, u pick blueberry farms,
Seafood markets, flowers etc. Fun!

People spread out and no one was noisy, or disrespectful in any way. It felt safe and I had no trouble sleeping. Nice view of sunset at this time of year too.

i stayed here the night before taking the Alaska Ferry. roughly 15min to the ferry. there is a great restaurant tucked back in a corner. their french press setup is amazing. they also have CAD if you want to get some before heading up. oh good sweets at their coffee stand too!

If you do not have a players card get one inside the casino before registering. To register go to the security desk inside the casino and they will register you.

Our stay here was good. Quiet back lot with a few other RVs.