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.
