Cape Disappointment State Park

Star4.31
93 reviews
244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624

Quick Facts

154 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Cape Disappointment State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Discover Pass: Annual $45, One-day $10. Watercraft launch fee: $7 per day. Trailer dump fee: $5 per use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 93 reviews

5399 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersbeach

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors consistently praise the park's dramatic coastal scenery, wide sandy beaches, lighthouse viewpoints, well-maintained restrooms/showers, and strong interpretive offerings (Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center). The main campground loops receive high marks for site size, layout and proximity to the beach. Common negatives include variable/windy weather, crowded sunny summer weekends, poor cell service, and the more exposed primitive Lake O'Neil sites."

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Campground Map

244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624

Cape Disappointment State Park

244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624

Nearby supplies
Ilwaco and other communities on the Long Beach Peninsula (local supplies and services)

Best Time to Camp at Cape Disappointment State Park

The weather here keeps things interesting—coastal fog can roll in without warning, winds whip across the headlands, and rain showers pass through like old friends. Come prepared for anything, and you'll be rewarded with the authentic coastal experience that makes this place unforgettable. The park welcomes visitors year-round from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, with each season painting the landscape in different moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Beaches, trails and interpretive sites are prime in summer; watch for fog and wind.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers dramatic coastal weather, birding and fewer crowds; scenic storm-watching.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Spring brings migrating birds, wild coastal growth and reopening activities; variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 8% in WA

Winter storm-watching and dramatic skies are highlights, but cold, wind and fog limit comfort.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Park open year-round for day use (hours posted 6:30 a.m. to dusk). All camping at Cape Disappointment is closed entirely until late spring 2026 for major renovations.

About Cape Disappointment State Park

Where the mighty Columbia River crashes into the Pacific Ocean, Cape Disappointment State Park sprawls across 2,000 spectacular acres of wild coastline. This beloved destination showcases everything from windswept beaches and coastal rainforest to freshwater lakes and the renowned Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center—though campers should note that all camping facilities are closed for exciting renovations until late spring 2026.
Park contains a developed main campground suitable for tents and RVs, a more primitive Lake O'Neil area, and additional lodging options such as yurts and historic vacation homes.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Wide range of coastal and inland activities including beach access, hiking, boating, birding, fishing and interpretive/historical sites (lighthouses and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center). Several water-related activities (boat ramp, dock, crabbing, shellfishing) are available; swimming in the ocean is not advised.
HikingExtensive trail network links campground to beaches, viewpoints and both lighthouses; trails range from short steep climbs to longer forest walks.
FishingFishing is noted near the jetty and along the coast; park has jetty and river access points.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBeach and coastal hazards: swimming on the Long Beach Peninsula is not advised; Washington coastal parks are dynamic and potentially dangerous (strong surf, rip currents, steep informal access in some places). Variable wind, fog and weather can create hazardous conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cape Disappointment State Park

Reviews

4.3
93 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cape Disappointment State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently praise the park's dramatic coastal scenery, wide sandy beaches, lighthouse viewpoints, well-maintained restrooms/showers, and strong interpretive offerings (Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center). The main campground loops receive high marks for site size, layout and proximity to the beach. Common negatives include variable/windy weather, crowded sunny summer weekends, poor cell service, and the more exposed primitive Lake O'Neil sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent highlights are the beach access and views of the Columbia River mouth, two lighthouses with short hikes and tours, clean modern bathrooms and showers, helpful rangers/volunteers, a stocked...
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Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors criticize the **primitive Lake O’Neil camping area** for being an open grassy field with little privacy and indistinct site boundaries, leading to a lower-quality experience compared...
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Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book well in advance (popular in summer and can fill months out), bring warm layers and rain gear, bring bug spray, secure food from raccoons and crows, consider buying firewood at the campground...
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Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cape Disappointment did not disappoint!"; "The campground bathrooms were impressive - PRIVATE individual rooms with full locking doors for the toilets and showers."; "I think my favorite thing is...
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Based on 93 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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