Custer Safety Rest Area Southbound – I-5

I-5 southbound travelers near Custer in Whatcom County, Washington, can pull in at Custer Safety Rest Area. Reported truck parking: 11 spaces, plus 10 car spaces. The next southbound stop is Bow Hill Safety Rest Area – Southbound, 34 mi ahead by the mile markers.

I-5WashingtonSouthbound
Current operating status not verified — Location data comes from an inventory record. Confirm with the responsible transportation agency before travel.

Next rest stop on I-5 Southbound

Bow Hill Safety Rest Area – Southbound34 mi ahead by the mile markers · Washington · Mile marker 235.14

Location map

Marker shows recorded coordinates, not an entrance or approved driving route. Follow highway signs.

Open directions

Reported parking capacity

Car parking10Reported spaces
Truck parking11Reported spaces

Reported capacity from the 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law). This is not real-time vacancy information.

Facilities and amenities

✓ Restrooms✓ Accessible facilities✓ Drinking water✓ Picnic tables

Unknown (not documented in the sources): Family restroom, Pet area, Vending machines, Public phone, RV dump station, EV charging, Wi-Fi, Playground.

A reported facility does not guarantee current availability.

About this rest area

Custer Safety Rest Area is a stop for southbound travelers on I-5 near Custer in Washington. Its current operating status has not been verified. Check the Washington Department of Transportation again before stopping: operating conditions can change.

Location and driving direction

This is the southbound facility on I-5, near Custer in Whatcom County. The recorded position is around mile marker 269.25.

The northbound lanes have their own facility, Custer Safety Rest Area – Northbound; make sure the entrance matches your direction of travel.

Further along I-5, Bow Hill Safety Rest Area – Southbound follows after roughly 34 miles.

Parking and amenities

The 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law) lists 10 automobile parking spaces and 11 truck parking spaces for this direction.

Facilities reported for this location:

  • Restrooms
  • Accessible facilities
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic tables

These are capacity figures, not a live count of free spaces. Availability of individual amenities can change.

How long can you stay?

Washington allows 8 hours in any 24-hour period; commercial vehicles may stay up to one hour beyond their federally required rest period. Camping is prohibited. Posted signs at this rest area can set a different limit. Source: RCW 47.38.020 (checked November 2026).

Map and coordinates

Recorded coordinates: 48.926675, -122.646197. Use them as a reference only; follow the posted signs to the entrance.

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Frequently asked questions

Which side of I-5 is this rest area on?

It serves southbound traffic on Interstate 5 near Custer. The northbound lanes have a separate facility.

How many truck spaces are there?

The 2019 federal truck parking survey (FHWA Jason's Law) lists 11 truck parking spaces at this facility. This does not indicate how many are currently free.

Are there restrooms and drinking water?

Yes, both are included in the official amenities listing. Check current conditions before travel.

Can I stay overnight at this rest area?

Washington allows 8 hours in any 24-hour period; commercial vehicles may stay up to one hour beyond their federally required rest period. Camping is prohibited. Posted signs on site apply.

What is the next stop on I-5?

Bow Hill Safety Rest Area – Southbound, about 34 miles further along I-5 by the official mile markers.