Best Campgrounds near Ocean Park, WA
The Washington coast near Ocean Park features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options within a short drive of the Pacific Ocean. Cedar to Surf Campground, located directly in Ocean Park, provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Within 30 minutes, campers can access Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, offering spacious sites under mossy tree canopies with beach access. The Long Beach Peninsula hosts several additional options, including The Lamp Camp with 30 sites and Thousand Trails Long Beach in nearby Seaview. Most campgrounds in this coastal region provide direct or nearby beach access, with many offering full hookups for RVs alongside more primitive tent camping areas.
Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience along the Washington coast. Summer months (June-September) provide the most reliable weather, while coastal storms are common during fall and winter. As one camper noted about Cape Disappointment, "It's best to visit in the summer as the weather can be very unpredictable the rest of the year." Many campgrounds remain open year-round but require advance reservations during peak summer months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with some areas having limited or no coverage. Highway 101 provides good access to most established campgrounds, though some beach access points require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after storms when sand conditions change.
Beach access represents the primary attraction for most campers in the Ocean Park area. Trails leading through coastal dunes connect many campgrounds to the shoreline, though walking distances vary. "Fall asleep listening to the roar of the ocean in a safe location away from the tides," wrote one reviewer about coastal camping. Privacy between sites varies significantly, with state parks generally offering more separation than private RV parks. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings, including elk, eagles, and shore birds. Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those near Highway 101. Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, especially in forested areas away from the immediate shoreline. Most established campgrounds provide clean restrooms and showers, though amenities vary widely between state parks and private facilities.
