Cape Disappointment State Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping options near Ilwaco, Washington. The park sits at the convergence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, creating a unique coastal environment. Winter temperatures typically range from 38-48°F while summer temperatures average 50-70°F, with frequent fog and wind conditions common throughout the year.
What to do
**Beach exploration: Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing along the shoreline. At Fort Stevens State Park Campground, visitors can explore the Iredale shipwreck. "Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" says Gail S.
**Trail hiking: Several paths lead to scenic viewpoints and lighthouses in the region. The Lamp Camp provides trail access to nearby beaches. "They have taken the time to add personal touches to the campground from cute signs to show the way to the beach to flower gardens and a doggie water post," notes Tony S., highlighting the pet-friendly accommodations available.
**Historical sites: Visit restored military installations that once guarded the Columbia River. "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," recommends Jill T. about Fort Stevens State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots despite busy parks. At Thousand Trails Long Beach, "The campground was packed but our site was still very private, small and cozy. Easy walk to the beach and great ocean views," according to D B.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Dogs are welcome throughout the area with proper leashing. According to Kier S., "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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently noted. Pacific Holiday RV Resort gets positive reviews for its amenities. "Managers are very nice and helpful. This place is by far my favorite. It's .30 miles from a beautiful clean unspoiled beach by way of a path that's a beautiful walk," says Roxanna L.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book early, especially during summer months. "We didn't have a reservation for the campground the afternoon we decided to stop in July. To reserve a yurt typically requires a minimum of two nights. 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 MomSolo about Fort Stevens State Park.
Site utilities: Check hookup locations before selecting a site. At Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, "Not sure about parking near the towers, but seems a bit more secure… one of them has a camera for security. This site is listed as free, but there is a sign at the entrance for a needing a discovery pass to use the site," notes Augusto P.
Weather conditions: Coastal fog and strong winds are common. "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 Kier S. about pet-friendly camping experiences near Ilwaco.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple parks offer programs specifically for children. "We just got back from our week long camping trip and like always it was fun. We have been there multiple times, it's one of my favorites. So much for kids to do from exploring, riding bikes, fishing and going to the amphitheater for some stories," recommends Jenny M.
Safety considerations: Busy beaches require extra vigilance with children. "The walk to the beach was a pleasant roughly 0.25 mile one. Cars drive straight on the beach so watch your dogs," warns Laura M. about Cedar to Surf Campground.
Educational opportunities: Military and maritime history provides learning experiences. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" shares Cadie H. about Fort Stevens State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on hookup placement. "The odd numbered spots all have the sewer on the wrong side requiring a very long sewer hose extension that the hardware store nearby does have. Denis's Ace Hardware! I will say though... good luck finding an even numbered space," advises Derek & Alex W.
Parking challenges: Some parks require advanced backing skills. "On your way in there may be quite the squabble when parking. The spaces are very tight at 90 degree angles to the road. This requires backing skill level 10!" cautions Laura M. about Cedar to Surf Campground.
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabins or yurts for easier setup. "There is a fire pit and picnic table outside each yurt. The flaps on the windows can be rolled up and down to adjust the airflow. The bathhouse is within walking distance but showed full quickly in the morning," notes MomSolo.
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