Burn Ban - Level 1
Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.
Part of the Park is Closed
Most of Cape Disappointment State Park will close from mid-September 2024 through spring 2025, specifically camping loops A, B, C and D and Waikiki Beach while the park undergoes renovations and repairs. This includes renovation of the park entrance, repair of erosion and water damage on the road to the campground, installation of a new trail and returning some areas to wetland habitat. This work will improve traffic flow through the park, improve campground safety, and provide more hiking opportunities. Additionally, the restored wetland will improve the look of the park while protecting habitat for the birds and animals that live there – that means more birding and wildlife viewing. Parts of the park will remain open for day use. You are still welcome and encouraged to visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, boat launch, North Head Lighthouse and Beard’s Hollow. The vacation homes (lightkeepers’ residences) at Cape Disappointment and at neighboring Fort Columbia State Park will remain open.
Cape Disappointment State Park
244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Hike a trail that meanders through a forest, around freshwater lakes, saltwater marshes and ocean tidelands. The beaches at Cape Disappointment lure kite flyers, sandcastle builders, and nature explorers.
Rules
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
- Horses not Allowed
The parking lots at the North Head, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Beards Hollow will not accommodate RVs.
Beach hazards
Swimming in the ocean on the Long Beach Peninsula is not advised.
Washington's coastal parks are dynamic and beautiful. They are also potentially dangerous! Learn about beach hazards and how to stay safe when you go to play or camp at coastal parks.
Activities
Beach Exploration
First Day Hike Events
Winter Camping
Biking
Bird Watching
Boating
Camping
Crabbing
Fishing
Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running
Interpretive and Visitor Centers
Metal Detecting
Shellfishing
Amenities
Accessible Campsites
Automated Pay Station
Accessible Restrooms
ADA Buildings
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
Park Ranger Station
Recycling
Restrooms
Showers
Trash Service
Firewood
Boat Ramp
Dock
Pumpout
Groceries
Picnic Tables
Accessible Parking
Parking
Trailer Dump
Amphitheater
Interpretive Opportunities
Lighthouse
Accessible Trails
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
Park features
Forest
Freshwater
Lake
Ocean Beach
Saltwater
Sandy Beach
Viewpoint
Wetland
Wildlife Viewing
Rules
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
- Horses not Allowed
The parking lots at the North Head, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Beards Hollow will not accommodate RVs.
Beach hazards
Swimming in the ocean on the Long Beach Peninsula is not advised.
Washington's coastal parks are dynamic and beautiful. They are also potentially dangerous! Learn about beach hazards and how to stay safe when you go to play or camp at coastal parks.
Map & visitor guide
46.29182434, -124.0667267
Cape Disappointment is a 2,023-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean and looking into the mouth of the Columbia River. Gape at the breathtaking views of the North Head Lighthouse, or enjoy the interactive exhibits in the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. The park offers yurts, cabins and unique historic vacation homes to meet your diverse lodging needs.
Boating
Cape Disappointment offers one boat ramp and 135 feet of dock are provided on Baker Bay in the Columbia River.
Picnic and day use facilities
The day use area has unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served.
Camping
The campground has standard, partial hookup, full hookup, and five primitive hiker/biker campsites available first-come, first-served. The park accommodates RVs and combinations of 45 feet or less in length.
Concessions
Cape "D" Store
The Cape "D" Store carries a variety of items to meet your camping needs, including firewood, ice, a variety of groceries, clothing, games and toys, camping and fishing supplies and propane. They also serve up hot and fresh pizza, sandwiches and ice cream. The store is open weekends in March, April and October and daily from May to September. Delivery to your campsite is also available!
Surfside Golf
Surfside Golf Course is located to the north at Skating Lake State Park in Ocean Park (23-minute drive from Cape Disappointment). The golf course is in a beautiful, park-like setting, with a driving range, café, pro shop with rentals, pull carts and power carts. Open all year. For more information, visit the Surfside Golf Course website.
Interpretive opportunities
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Perched on a 200-foot-high cliff, the Interpretive Center tells the story of the famous explorer duo, Lewis and Clark, and their journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center also features interpretive trails and the North Head Lighthouse.
North Head Lighthouse
The North Head Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach Peninsula, Columbia River Bar and the northern Oregon Coast. It is open to visitors May to Sept. 30.