The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ilwaco. Ilwaco is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ilwaco, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Cougar Camp
26 min away
Nehalem Bay Trailer Park
1 hr 4 min away
"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!"
"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."
"Easy to get to and a beautiful lake. When I was there, there were a couple of beaver working at the head of the lake."
$33 - $55 / night
"CAMPGROUND REVIEW
The Rose Creek Retreat is located about 2 hours northwest of Portland in Washington across from Astoria."
$10 - $15 / night
"There was free firewood stacked nearby because of all the logging in the area. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Walk in tent camping only, or you could park your van in the parking lot."
"Drove past the paid camping and found many available areas to set up for the night. Couple areas had excessive amounts of trash."
"We spent only one night here (approx. 45°41'49.5"N 125°44'18.1"W) in a lovely clearing featuring a metal fire ring. Sites are designated, but free for use up to 14 days."
"Camped out for a night in designated camp site #3. Lots of room for Cars and a couple spots to pitch a tent. A bit rocky, but we used shovel to dig out a more comfortable spot."
$5 / night
"There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit."
"The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area."
$15 / night
"I also liked that it was $15 (vs the $20 of Henry Rierson nearby)."
$15 / night
"You walk down about three city blocks to this penisular oasis, where you’re treated to tall trees, a nice variety of sites and plenty of beautific water scenes."
$30 - $100 / night
GuideBeing a new visitor to WA, we wanted to spend our first night in the middle of nowhere and this did it.
A bit of a climb for our truck camper so 4x4 was handy. There were some lower tree branches but easy to (delicately) pull to the side to get by. The road is 1 lane, gravel but nicely maintained. Not many areas to pull over so go slow and prepare to back up if necessary.
It's first come, first serve with no hookups or trash service but there is a bathroom. There's a couple spots for a bigger truck camper like ours and a handful of secluded tent sites you can walk to from the parking area. The tent sites we saw had a fire ring (fire ban in place right now) and a picnic table all nestled in the trees and ferns. There's 1 main place to fish from and several little nooks as well. There's a LOT of old, picturesque trees/ stumps in the lake, hence the name. A gentleman we met said the lake is stocked and our son caught some rainbow trout (approx 8 inches) so we put them back to get bigger for the next person.
There's also paths to enjoy a walk through the trees.
As far as cell service, we had great Verizon signal and there's a cell tower over the top of the trees so that explains that. 🙂
You need a Discovery Pass to camp here but it's either $10 a night at various campgrounds around WA (so I read) or $30 for the annual pass.
Enjoy and please pack it in, pack it out. It was a really nice campsite so let's keep it that way. Thanks!
Snag Lake Campground (360) 577-2025 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmQbRypN42ciJemCA
LegendCape Disappointment is a great spot for campers of all kinds. There are RV hook ups, tent sites, hiker/ biker spots, cabins, and yurts. Very easy access to the water as well.
The yurts are your basic state park round dome with sleeping arrangements for up to 5 people. It has a table, chairs, and indoor heat.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a park store that has basic essentials and the ability to buy wood.
During the spring, the wind can be pretty intense so beware if you are tent camping.
TravelerThis small campground is very far off the 101 so if you are looking for a coastal vibe this is not it. Deeply wooded, green, and beautiful. One side of the campground sits alongside Nehalem river access, on hot days this is a popular hangout so expect to see a lot of people. Vault toilets after a busy summer season were ammonia rich and hard to handle. Trash receptacles and potable water available. (Old school pump) I’ve heard that it stays wet enough back there that this campsite never really has a fire ban, but always check with the camp host, they also sell fire wood. First come first serve campsites Using reserve America online. Do Not confuse this campsite with Nehalem Bay State park when reserving.
GuideVery close to the beach but wind protected sites with lots of trees and bushes. Most sites have privacy. Showers are coin operated but work well.
TravelerThe park is large but there are only around 5 tent spots available. The tent sites are nice size and level with a fire ring and picnic table. There is lots of foliage around the site so you have some privacy. The tent area is on the same loop as cabins so there isn't a lot of RV traffic. There is lots to do at this park and wildlife to see. The only down side is the loop is close to the entrance so there is some traffic noise as campers come and go through the night.
GuideWe 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. 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. This was a nice park with several things to see and do. Would stay here again if in the area.
LegendGeneral: Vista Park, located directly on the Columbia River between Long Beach or Astoria to the west and Kelso to the east. It offers a variety of sites from walk-in tent sites to partial to full hookups to yurts.
Site Quality: Site 30 was a sweet little site; since it is a pull-through with trees on one side, it offers some privacy, it is tucked away and more private than many of the other sites. While it appears to be a very large site on the map, in reality, it was perfect for our campervan but would be problematic for larger RVs. In my opinion, Sites 27-29 are the most private with lots of trees separating them. Sites 27-33 have their own garbage receptacle at their site while others have a more centrally located garbage/recycling area. If you prefer to be closer to the water, Sites 19 and 20 and V1-V13 would be a good choice. 19 and 20 are very nice as they have a concrete pad, and sheltered picnic table. V1-13 have NO privacy between sites; the same is true for 34-43, which are tent-only sites. The yurts are located on top of the hill, away from the water. Although all of the walk-in campsites had reserved signs on them, not a single one was occupied when we were there on Labor Day weekend.
Bathhouse: Basic but reasonable. The showers are $.50 for 4-5 minutes. The shower located in the center of the campground was ok but has seen better days. The shower at the top of the hill is better; it had a sign that said it was only open from 10 am– 8 pm but we were able to use it at 8:30 am.
Activities: Fishing and boating (there is a boat launch). Two playground areas; one in the day-use area (but close enough to the camping sites) and one in the loop with sites 1-15. There is a short but nice beach to walk on and a hiking/nature trail that leads to the beach(the beach is also accessed directly from the day-use area).
ScoutIt is a small campground with maybe 12 sites that are spaced out with lots of trees and bushes. No electric hookups, but plenty of space. Showers and restrooms are clean. Short path down to a small beach. Fire pits and picnic tables are at every site.
ScoutCape Disappointment is not disappointing at all. Each camp site has its own fire ring and picnic table. Restrooms are in close proximity to the campsites. It’s a beach campground so remember the weather is going to be beachy. It is rustic but the restrooms are always clean though old.
Tent camping near Ilwaco, Washington, offers a blend of serene natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several options to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ilwaco, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ilwaco, WA is Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ilwaco, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Ilwaco, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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