Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

Part of the Park is Closed

Start Date:

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 launchNorth Head Lighthouse and Beard’s Hollow. The vacation homes (lightkeepers’ residences) at Cape Disappointment and at neighboring Fort Columbia State Park will remain open.

Waves crashing against the rock at Cape Disappointment
The amphitheater at Cape Disappointment is made of a few benches facing the platform in a grassy field
Eight people stand on a rugged shoreline holding cameras and photographing the surf crashing high against the cliffs at Cape Disappointment State Park. North Head Lighthouse can be seen in the distance on top of the cliff where the tall white wave is crashing hardest.
The boat launch at Cape Disappointment with mooring docks
A cabin at Cape Disappointment that has a bench table and a fire pit out front

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

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    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

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    Shellfishing

    Amenities

    Accessible Campsites

    Automated Pay Station

    Accessible Restrooms

    ADA Buildings

    Drinking Water

    Fire Pit

    Park Ranger Station

    Recycling

    Restrooms

    Showers

    Trash Service

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    Firewood

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    Boat Ramp

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    Dock

    Pumpout

    Groceries

    Picnic Tables

    Accessible Parking

    Parking

    Trailer Dump

    Amphitheater

    Interpretive Opportunities

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    Lighthouse

    Accessible Trails

    Bike Trails

    Hiking Trails

    Park features

    Forest

    Freshwater

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    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.