If you’re looking for a camping experience that offers a mix of beachfront fun and Pacific Northwest forest exploration, Cape Disappointment State Park is the perfect destination. Located on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State, this 2,023-acre park offers a variety of camping options, including yurts, cabins, and tent and RV sites. With activities like beach exploration, biking, bird watching, and boating, there’s something for everyone at this park!
The park is named for the area’s history as the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition first saw the Pacific Ocean. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re looking to hike through the forest, paddle along the coast, or just relax on the beach, there is something here for you. With various camping options and plenty of activities, it’s easy to see why Cape Disappointment is one of Washington State’s most popular state parks.
Overview of Cape Disappointment Camping
Cape Disappointment is a 2,023-acre camping park located on the Long Beach Peninsula where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The park features breathtaking views of the coast, freshwater lakes, saltwater marshes, and ocean tidelands. It is a dynamic and potentially dangerous environment, so it is important to learn how to stay safe while you play.
The park has a total of 215 campsites, including 137 standard campsites, 60 full hookup sites, 18 sites with water and electricity only, and five primitive hiker/biker campsites. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the summer months. The park also offers historic vacation homes, cabins, and yurts for those who prefer more lodging options.
There are many activities to enjoy here, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and beach exploration. The park has over 27 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and offers ADA access for those who need it. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is also located within the park, providing interactive exhibits, a map, and a visitor guide to help you learn more about the park’s history and features.
The park has day use facilities, including unsheltered picnic tables and a boat ramp with a dock at Baker Bay. Campers can also enjoy amenities such as showers, restrooms, a store, and firewood and ice for sale. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits and grills, including propane and gas grills, but be sure to check for any burn bans in effect. Dogs are allowed on leash, but horses are not allowed in the park.
Accommodation Options
Cape Disappointment offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every camper’s needs. Whether you prefer rustic camping or a more luxurious stay, there is something for everyone.
The park offers cabins and yurts if you’re looking for a cozy and comfortable stay. The fully furnished cabins have a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. The yurts are a unique camping experience and offer a more traditional camping feel. They are circular tents with wooden floors, and they come with electricity, heating, and basic furnishings.
For those who prefer tent camping, the park offers tent sites that are perfect for setting up camp. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
If you’re traveling in an RV, the park offers partial and full hookup sites. The partial hookup sites come with electricity and water, while the full hookup sites offer electricity, water, and sewer connections.
For the more adventurous camper, the park offers primitive hiker/biker campsites. These sites are ideal for those who prefer a more rustic camping experience and are only accessible by foot or bicycle.
If you’re looking for more upscale lodging, the park also has historic vacation homes available for rent. These homes offer a unique and luxurious camping experience and are perfect for families or groups.
Outdoor Activities
Cape Disappointment is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 2,000 acres of parkland, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid hiker, beach lover, or nature explorer, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Hiking
The park features several hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. The trails offer stunning views of the ocean, forest, and marshlands. The Cape Disappointment Loop Trail is a popular option that takes you to the top of the cape, where you can see the historic lighthouses and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Beach
The park has two miles of sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is also a great spot for kite flyers and sandcastle builders. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales or seals in the water.
Swimming and Boating
The park has several freshwater lakes that are perfect for swimming and boating. Lake O’Neil and Deep Lake are popular spots for swimming, while Baker Bay is a great spot for boating and fishing.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in Cape Disappointment. The park has several fishing spots, including Baker Bay, where you can catch salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.
Nature Exploration
Cape Disappointment is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and deer. The park has several nature trails that allow you to explore the park’s unique ecosystems. The park’s saltwater marshes are also a great spot for birdwatching.
Safety Measures and Regulations
When camping here, it is important to follow safety measures and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
ADA Access: The park offers ADA campsites, restrooms, and boat launches. Please follow the guidelines and regulations to ensure that everyone can enjoy the park.
Dogs Allowed on Leash: Dogs are allowed at the park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet to help keep the park clean and safe for everyone.
Horses Not Allowed: Horses are not allowed at the park, so please leave them at home.
Level 1 Fires: Level 1 fires are allowed in designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills are also allowed. Please do not start fires outside of designated areas.
Beach Hazards: The park is located on the coast and can be dynamic and potentially dangerous. Please learn about beach hazards and stay safe while enjoying the beach.
Facilities and Services
This park offers many facilities and services to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Parking
The park has ample parking space available for campers. You can park your vehicle at the designated parking areas near your campsite.
Restrooms and Showers
The park has restrooms with hot showers available for campers. The facilities are well-maintained and cleaned regularly.
Store
The Cape “D” Store is located at 244 Robert Gray Drive and offers a variety of camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs.
Firewood and Ice
Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the Cape “D” Store.
Picnic Tables and Fires
Unsheltered picnic tables are located throughout the park for your convenience. Fires are permitted only in designated fire pits and must be extinguished before leaving.
Day Use Facilities
The park offers several day use facilities, including picnic areas and playgrounds.
Boat Ramp and Dock
The park has a boat ramp and dock available for campers who wish to launch their boats into Baker Bay.
Concessions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping options available at Cape Disappointment State Park?
The park offers a variety of camping options, including primitive, hiker/biker, and RV camping. The park has two campgrounds: the North and the South campground. The North campground offers 42 full hookup sites, while the South campground has 137 tent and RV campsites.
Are there any yurts available for camping at Cape Disappointment?
Yes, there are yurts available for camping. The park has 15 yurts available for rent. Each yurt is equipped with electricity, heat, and furniture.
How can I make reservations for camping at Cape Disappointment?
You can make reservations for camping online or by phone. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance. It is recommended to make reservations in advance as campsites fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Does Cape Disappointment State Park offer full hookups for RV camping?
Yes, the North campground offers 42 full hookup sites for RV camping. These sites include water, sewer, and electricity hookups.
What is the closest town to Cape Disappointment State Park?
The closest town is Ilwaco, which is located about 3 miles away. Ilwaco offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
What are some popular campgrounds near Hood Canal?
Some popular campgrounds near Hood Canal include Dosewallips State Park, Potlatch State Park, and Twanoh State Park. These parks offer a variety of camping options, including tent and RV camping, as well as yurts and cabins.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always felt at home in the outdoors. We created Evergreen Adventures PNW to share our love of hiking, camping, and exploring, and to help others discover the best adventures this region has to offer. Along with trip guides and tips, we also enjoy diving into the science behind the landscapes—thanks to a background in Environmental Science—because understanding nature makes every adventure even more meaningful.