PNW Van/Camping: Cape Disappointment (Ilwaco, WA)

***We originally planned to camp here in October, however folks are saying it will be too cold and windy then. Let's go in August and get a camp site in area A which opens up THIS FRIDAY MAY 1st at 7:00 a.m. US PT.***

Join our friendly group for campfires, daily activities and fun! Vans/vehicle camping is optional, and it's also a great place to learn how others have built or bought vans, SUVs, etc. to camp and/or live in. See the park summary and local hikes/sites below. Note that this campground is a 3 hour drive from Seattle on the southwest corner of Washington state.

Cape Disappointment State Park, located at the dramatic meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River near Ilwaco, is one of Washington’s most unique coastal camping destinations. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the park blends rugged ocean cliffs, sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, and dense coastal forest, creating an ideal setting for an August van camping meetup. Campgrounds here are well-equipped with RV-friendly sites, restrooms, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables, and are open year-round, making fall visits quieter and moodier with classic Pacific Northwest coastal weather.

Beyond camp, the park is packed with activities—explore two historic lighthouses, wander windswept beaches, or visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center for sweeping views and regional history. The landscape itself is a highlight, with trails weaving through forest, marshes, and oceanfront viewpoints, offering constant scenery changes in a relatively compact area.

Top 5 Hikes Nearby:

1. Cape Disappointment Trail – ~2 miles, moderate; forested path to dramatic coastal viewpoints.
2. North Head Trail – ~3 miles, moderate; leads to cliffs, bunkers, and lighthouse views.
3. North Head Lighthouse Loop – Short, easy loop with iconic lighthouse vistas.
4. Coastal Forest Loop – ~1.4 miles, easy; lush forest with glimpses of Baker Bay.
5. Discovery Trail (partial) – Longer coastal path connecting beaches and viewpoints.

Get your reservation in area A soon/starting this Friday May 1st, here's the campground website: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/cape-disappointment-state-park Sites in this area have electricity and water.