Cape Disappointment State Park Campground, situated near the southern Washington coast, offers a variety of seasonal glamping opportunities from oceanside yurts to waterfront cabin rentals. The park remains open year-round, with winter visitors experiencing significantly different conditions than summer campers. Water temperatures in the area rarely exceed 55°F even during summer months, creating consistent cool coastal conditions regardless of season.
What to do
Lighthouse exploration: Both North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse are accessible via hiking trails from camping areas. "This entire 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," notes a visitor at Cape Disappointment State Park Campground.
Historic military sites: Explore former military installations including World War II bunkers throughout the park. "There are two lighthouses in the park, trails, jetty, and an interpretative center. Once out of the park, Long Beach is a short drive," explains a camper who visited in March.
Beach activities: The park provides designated beach access points marked for campers. "Once on the beach, there is a big sign with a giant A so you can find your way back should you go for a walk," reports a visitor at Cape Disappointment, emphasizing the well-organized beach access system.
Landsailing: The open beaches near Camp Rilea Military Campground provide ideal conditions for this unique activity. "We went there to have close access to Ocean Beach to go landsailing with some other friends. The Landsailing, we have a little Blokart, turned out to be awesome and plan to meet up with folks there again," shares a military visitor.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many glamping accommodations near Ilwaco provide access to well-maintained restroom facilities. "The showers and bathrooms are clean and plenty throughout. Lots of coastal land to explore and enjoy," reports a camper from Cape Disappointment State Park.
Beach proximity: Glamping sites at The Lamp Camp offer exceptional beach access. "We loved our stay at The Lamp Camp. I highly recommend grabbing the sites closest to the ocean if you can so you hear the waves as you drift off," explains a visitor who appreciated the oceanfront experience.
Off-season quiet: Winter visitors experience a completely different atmosphere. "The park was minimally crowded in November. I camped by the lake to stay protected from the howling wind coming in from the water," mentions a Cape Disappointment camper, highlighting seasonal variations.
Fishing amenities: Specialty campgrounds cater to fishing enthusiasts with dedicated facilities. "If you're planning to fish, crab, or dig clams at the coast this is the best place! They have a wonderful cleaning station, clean hot showers and RV and tent sites as well as a few small cabins," explains a visitor to Kampers West RV Park.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The beach areas experience strong, consistent winds that affect camping comfort. "Keep in mind that the beach is VERY windy and my mutt was fine walking downwind, but when we turned around she was very unhappy being very low to the ground with sand blowing in her face," warns a Cape Disappointment visitor.
Campsite layout: Many campgrounds in the area feature distinct camping loops with varying levels of privacy and amenities. "The campground is set up in sections A, B, C, and D. Section D is near the entrance along a lake. The other sections are down a long drive close to the beach," explains a camper from Cape Disappointment State Park.
Reservation timing: Popular glamping accommodations in the region require advance planning. "We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance," shares a visitor to Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. "I got zero reception in the campground. I use Verizon," notes a Cape Disappointment camper, indicating potential communication limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Fort exploration: Historical military sites provide educational opportunities for children. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" shares a Fort Stevens visitor, noting the unexpected appeal of historical sites.
Multi-day reservations: Most luxury glamping options in the Ilwaco area require minimum stays. "To reserve a yurt typically requires a minimum of two nights," explains a Fort Stevens camper who lucked into a single night reservation during peak season.
Weather preparation: The coastal climate demands versatile clothing and gear options. "I recommended being prepared for any type of weather rain or shine," advises a Fort Stevens visitor, highlighting the unpredictable coastal conditions families should anticipate.
Evening programs: Some campgrounds offer educational entertainment. "So much for kids to do from exploring, riding bikes, fishing and going to the amphitheater for some stories," mentions a Fort Stevens camper, pointing out structured activities available for younger visitors.
Tips from RVers
Hookup orientation: RV sites at Thousand Trails Long Beach have specific utility layouts that require planning. "Odd numbers site have hook ups on the right, even have hook ups on the left (drivers side)," explains an RVer who appreciated this important detail for positioning their vehicle.
Seasonal considerations: The coastal climate creates specific conditions for RVers. "We come down here to get away from the heat, inland, area. It's usually 20-30 degrees cooler, than inland. So when the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Seaside, explaining the summer demand surge.
Backup plans: Having alternative campgrounds identified helps during peak periods. "We didn't have a reservation for the campground the afternoon we decided to stop in July," recalls a Fort Stevens visitor who managed to secure a glamping yurt without advance planning.
