Best Campgrounds near Ilwaco, WA

The southwestern corner of Washington state surrounding Ilwaco features diverse camping options where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Cape Disappointment State Park serves as the area's premier destination with spacious sites, beach access, and hiking trails leading to historic lighthouses. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access multiple state parks, private RV resorts, and limited dispersed camping opportunities. The region spans both Washington and Oregon sides of the Columbia River, with Fort Stevens State Park just across the Astoria-Megler Bridge offering extensive facilities including yurts and cabins. Most established campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many providing full hookups for larger rigs.

Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience along this coastal region, with summer offering the most reliable conditions. As one camper noted, "Cape Disappointment was a real treat, but weather can be very unpredictable the rest of the year." Advance reservations are essential during peak season (June through September) when campgrounds regularly reach capacity. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the area, with many campers reporting "ZERO cell service at the campsites" in Cape Disappointment, though signals improve in town. Most state parks require reservations through their respective state systems, with Washington sites bookable up to nine months in advance through the Washington State Parks reservation portal.

Beach access represents the primary draw for most campgrounds in the region, though few sites offer direct oceanfront camping. Visitors frequently mention the short walks required to reach beaches, with one reviewer noting that "the walk to the beach was up a hill in the sand and was challenging carrying chairs and a cooler but well worth it." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and marine birds, enhance the camping experience. Fishing and crabbing opportunities abound, with one visitor reporting, "Fishing out of Ilwaco is a fantastic way to stock your freezer." The proximity to small coastal towns provides convenient access to supplies and seafood restaurants. Sites with beach trail access or views of the Columbia River typically book fastest, especially during holiday weekends and summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Ilwaco, Washington (130)

    1. Fort Stevens State Park Campground

    154 Reviews
    Hammond, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 861-3170

    $15 - $120 / night

    "The trails around it were fun and led from the camp right up to the beach by the old ship wreck. My kids ages 2-14 always had something to do and we brought our bikes."

    "Extensive walking/biking paths and beautiful shady sites. I now have a camper van and stop by frequently to use the dump station."

    2. Cape Disappointment State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Ilwaco, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (360) 642-3078

    $40 / night

    "Once we got near Ilwaco, we followed the state park signs to the campground(CG)."

    "We reserved our space online with the Washington State Parks website."

    3. Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA

    45 Reviews
    Hammond, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 861-2606

    $45 / night

    "Just across from the state park where you can take beach walks and enjoy sunsets. Clean and spacious showers and bathrooms."

    "Everyone in the general camping areas kept distance or was masked up. Appreciate that codes are given out to gain access to the bathrooms (very clean)."

    4. The Lamp Camp

    15 Reviews
    Loomis, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 777-3949

    $60 - $67 / night

    "Nice quiet place and easy access to the beach. We will definitely be back!"

    "Our night was great, very close to the beach, amenities are clean and well kept. Our host Kim was also wonderful!!"

    5. Thousand Trails Long Beach

    10 Reviews
    Ilwaco, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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. lots of amenities, pool, hot tub, horseshoes, and walking distance"

    "A 5 minute walk down the beach path leads to a great beach. The sites are tight, but the town was fun."

    6. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    14 miles
    Website

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    7. Wallicut River RV Resort & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Ilwaco, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 642-3292

    $33 - $70 / night

    "This is a good private campground just off Hyway 101 near Long Beach WA, the placement of the campground give a short drive to Long Beach or Astoria, OR both locations are loads of fun."

    "Didn’t have a chance to stay but driving by the park looked nice. Big plots with open grass. Saw a few tents and some RVs."

    8. Pacific Holiday RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Long Beach, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 642-2770

    "It’s .30 miles from a beautiful clean unspoiled beach by way of a path that’s a beautiful walk. Suddenly you climb a small incline and there’s the Pacific in all its glory."

    "They are out friendly with great access to the beach."

    9. RV Park At The Bridge

    5 Reviews
    Chinook, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 595-8303

    $45 - $65 / night

    "It’s mainly an RV park but there are 3 great tent spots in the back next to a cute stream/forested area."

    "Pretty well situated. Only downside is the highway nice"

    10. Cedar to Surf Campground

    6 Reviews
    Loomis, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 214-4006

    "Short walk to the beautiful ocean. Friendly hosts."

    "Not sure what that was about or if it’s for sale, but they were baking when we walked in to the office and it smelled great. The walk to the beach was a pleasant roughly 0.25 mile one."

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Recent Reviews near Ilwaco, WA

925 Reviews of 130 Ilwaco Campgrounds



Guide to Ilwaco

Camping near Ilwaco, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a full-service RV site, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For example, at Cape Disappointment State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "This site fit our needs well and was about 50 steps from Benson Beach."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the local trails. Campers at Skamokawa Vista Park enjoyed the hiking, with one saying, "Great hiking and lots of boat traffic to watch."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Grayland Beach State Park Campground noted, "We saw elk, rabbits, and the site horses while there."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ocean City State Park Campground said, "Clean restrooms and private clean showers for only a few bucks."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A camper at The Lamp Camp shared, "Super friendly hosts made our stay enjoyable."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. At Fort Stevens State Park Campground, one visitor remarked, "The sites are decently spaced and shaded by mature trees."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA, one parent said, "They have plenty of kid-friendly activities, including playgrounds and a jumping pillow."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Thousand Trails Seaside mentioned, "Everyone settled down by the start of quiet hours at 10 pm."
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather. A visitor at Grayland Beach State Park Campground advised, "Dress for it. Also, make sure you have plenty of propane for the heater!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Skamokawa Vista Park appreciated the "water and electric hookups along the view sites."
  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites may have standing water. A camper at Seaside RV Resort noted, "We noticed a lot of the sites had standing water."
  • Explore Nearby Towns: Take time to visit local attractions. A visitor at The Lamp Camp enjoyed the "short 1/4 mile walk to the beach."

Camping near Ilwaco, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ilwaco, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ilwaco, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Ilwaco, WA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ilwaco, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ilwaco, WA is Fort Stevens State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 154 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ilwaco, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Ilwaco, WA.

What parks are near Ilwaco, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Ilwaco, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.