Burn Ban Level 2

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Wood fires restricted to fire pits in designated areas. Gas and propane allowed. Charcoal may be restricted.

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

Biking

Bird Watching

Boating

Camping

Crabbing

First Day Hike Events

Fishing

Golf

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Interpretive and Visitor Centers

Metal Detecting

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Shellfishing

Winter Camping

Amenities

Accessible Campsites

Automated Pay Station

Accessible Restrooms

ADA Buildings

Drinking Water

Fire Pit

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Firewood

Park Ranger Station

Recycling

Restrooms

Showers

Trash Service

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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.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Grocery, Pizza and Beverages

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!

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.