Historic coastal state park at the mouth of the Columbia River with 68 RV sites (50 full hookup + 18 partial, 45 ft max). Home to two lighthouses, Lewis & Clark history, and dramatic ocean views.
Cape Disappointment is one of Washington's most historically significant and scenically dramatic state parks, occupying 1,882 acres where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The campground offers 50 full-hookup sites and 18 partial-hookup sites accommodating RVs up to 45 feet, set amid coastal forest with easy access to multiple beaches. The park protects two historic lighthouses: Cape Disappointment Light (1856, the oldest operating lighthouse in Washington) and North Head Light (1898), both open for tours. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center tells the story of the Corps of Discovery's 1805 arrival at the Pacific — their journey's end. Benson Beach and Waikiki Beach provide ocean access, and Deadman's Cove is popular for fishing. The Long Beach Peninsula's 28-mile stretch of beach begins just north of the park.
Cape Disappointment State Park occupies the dramatic headland where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, one of the most geographically and historically significant points on the Pacific Coast, where the river bar creates one of the world's most dangerous maritime passages. The park sits within the Columbia River Estuary, the largest estuary on the Pacific Coast, which provides critical rearing habitat for juvenile salmon from over 40 Columbia River tributary streams — habitat that once made the Columbia the most productive salmon river on Earth. The cape's position at the Pacific Flyway's Pacific Coast route makes it an exceptional shorebird and seabird observation point, and gray whale spouts are commonly visible from the North Head Lighthouse bluffs during spring migration.
Sourced from first-hand visits, park ranger notes, and RV community reports. Updated when conditions change.
Ocean loop sites (1–50) nearest the Pacific beach are premium — book these 6 months out. Forest loops (50–150) are shadier and quieter with less wind. Hookup sites are available throughout. Two lighthouses are walking distance from any site. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Centre (1 mile) is one of the best in the Pacific Northwest. One of WA's most popular and scenic parks — book immediately when the window opens.
| 📍 Nearest Town | Ilwaco (2 mi) |
| ⛽ Gas Station | 2 mi |
| 🛒 Grocery Store | 8 mi |
| 🏪 Costco | 90 mi |
| ☕ Starbucks | 8 mi |
| 🏕️ Nearest State Park | 5 mi |
Stock up in Ilwaco (2 mi) before heading out — services get limited near the campground.
Ready to book?
Check availability online. Reserving 6 months in advance.