Cape Disappointment State Park and surrounding areas offer yurt and cabin camping options throughout the year. Located at the southwest corner of Washington where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, this coastal region has an average annual rainfall of 67 inches and summer temperatures typically ranging 60-75°F. The camping terrain consists primarily of forested areas with sand dunes near the ocean, providing natural windbreaks during the frequently gusty coastal conditions.
What to do
Hiking to lighthouses: The area features multiple trails leading to historic structures. "Wow, what a beautiful place! Walk to the beach to find treasures and sit to relax and just watch the waves. Very peaceful, and my teens loved it!" notes a visitor to Cape Disappointment State Park Campground.
Beach exploration: Miles of accessible shoreline provide opportunities for beachcombing and wildlife viewing. "The cape has several scenic lighthouses and beaches that are dog friendly... We went out first thing in the morning when it was foggy and freezing, but tide was low and we had the whole beach to ourselves," reports a recent visitor.
Historical sites: The region contains numerous military installations and interpretive centers. "There is sooo much to do in this area! It's rich with history and we could have easily spent another week touring around. The Martime Museum is up the road," shares a camper at Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite being popular destinations, many campgrounds offer secluded spots. "The campground was packed but our site was still very private, small and cozy. Easy walk to the beach and great ocean views," notes a reviewer from Cape Disappointment.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. "They have a wonderful cleaning station, clean hot showers and RV and tent sites as well as a few small cabins. The tent sites are all on grass and back up to a stream," writes a visitor to Kampers West RV Park.
Seasonal activities: Different times of year offer unique experiences. "The Clatsop county beaches have the best razor clam digging in Oregon. On every minus tide, in the winter and spring, you have some of the best razor clams this far south of Alaska," explains a camper at Thousand Trails Seaside.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Coastal conditions can change rapidly. "I recommended being prepared for any type of weather rain or shine. Showers are nice with single rooms. Not in every loop though. No outhouses, bathrooms are ok," advises a Fort Stevens camper.
Campground sizes vary: Some locations offer more spacious sites than others. "This is a great campground with a lot of sites. Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" warns an experienced visitor.
Off-season benefits: Visiting during quieter times provides unique advantages. "We stayed at The Lamp Camp in one of the tent spots. They have several RV spots with full hookups as well as dry camp areas closer to the beach. Even those have a shower and restroom with hot water nearby and fire pits in each space," notes a recent camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple attractions cater specifically to younger visitors. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" shares a Fort Stevens camper.
Beach access considerations: Not all campsites provide equally convenient beach access. "While my loop was farthest from the beach, you could still hear the ocean which is lovely and relaxing. It's not a far walk to the beach and my toddler did it easily," explains a visitor to Camp Rilea Military Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings are common throughout the region. "The park is VERY pet friendly. Keep your furry friends on a leash and you can take them on any of the trails in the park. Keep in mind that the beach is VERY windy," advises a Cape Disappointment camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. "Odd numbers site have hook ups on the right, even have hook ups on the left (drivers side). Very clean, friendly and fun place to stay," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Long Beach.
Driving considerations: Some access roads require careful navigation. "The spots are tight, but the dog friendly beach is a short walk away. The beach hosts kite flying and sand castle building contests. The town is open and friendly," shares a Long Beach visitor.
Seasonal occupancy: Availability varies throughout the year. "We were fortunate to get a yurt for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance. There is a fire pit and picnic table outside each yurt," reports a Fort Stevens camper.
