Cape Disappointment State Park Washington (WA) RV Rentals
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Introduction
Cape Disappointment State Park, located on the southwestern tip of Washington State, is a favorite destination for RV camping enthusiasts. With over 200 campsites, the park offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The park’s rich history and cultural significance add to its appeal. Named after British explorer John Meares’ failed attempt to locate the Columbia River in 1788, the park was once home to the Chinook and Clatsop tribes who fished, traded, and hunted in the area. The park’s unique features are the result of natural occurrences such as erosion, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, built in 1856, stands tall to warn ships of the treacherous Columbia River Bar, also known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” The park’s weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but RV renters should be prepared for rain and strong winds. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Cape Disappointment State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Cape Disappointment State Park.
RV Rentals in Cape Disappointment State Park
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Transportation
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Driving/Transportation
Visitors to Cape Disappointment State Park can access the park by private vehicle through two entrances the north entrance near Ilwaco and the south entrance near Long Beach. The park has restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 45 feet for RVs and trailers. There are no public transportation options available in the park so visitors are encouraged to bring their own vehicles.
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Parking area
RV parking is available at the park with designated areas for RVs. However overnight parking is only permitted in designated campsites. Camping with an RV can be a great way to explore the park and using alternative transportation methods is recommended to minimize environmental impact.
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Public Transportation
Cape Disappointment State Park offers public transportation options for getting around. The park has a seasonal shuttle bus that runs from June to September making stops at popular locations throughout the park. Additionally there are numerous walking paths that provide a scenic way to explore the park on foot.
Top Campsites in Cape Disappointment State Park
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Reservations camping
Here are the top four most popular campsites/KOA within or near Cape Disappointment State Park that require reservations This campground is located inside the park and is the most popular one with 137 standard campsites 50 full-hookup sites and 18 yurts. It offers activities such as hiking fishing and beachcombing. Amenities include restrooms showers and a dump station. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 60 feet are permitted. This campground is located just a few miles north of the park and has 171 full-hookup sites. It offers activities such as kayaking horseback riding and golfing. Amenities include restrooms showers laundry facilities and a clubhouse. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted. This campground is located just a few miles south of the park and has 80 full-hookup sites. It offers activities such as hiking biking and beachcombing. Amenities include restrooms showers and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted. This campground is located just a few miles east of the park and has 76 campsites. It offers activities such as fishing hiking and boating. Amenities include restrooms and showers. Pets are welcome and the campground is open from May to September. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.Cape Disappointment Campground
Long Beach RV & Camping Resort
Seaview Campsite & RV Resort
Anderson Lake Campground
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First-come first-served
Here are three to four campground/campsites that are first-come-first-served in Cape Disappointment State Park This campground has 20 campsites and is located near the beach. It is open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 21 feet. Pets are welcome. This campground has 18 campsites and is located near the beach. It is open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 21 feet. Pets are welcome. This campground has 15 campsites and is located near the beach. It is open from May to September and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 21 feet. Pets are welcome.Waikiki Beach Campground
Oceanside Campground
Benson Beach Campground
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Alternate camping
Here are alternative camping options that RV renters can do nearby Cape Disappointment State Park if the campsites inside the park are full There are several private campgrounds in the area such as the Chinook RV Resort and the Seaview RV Park. These campgrounds offer full-hookup sites and amenities such as restrooms showers and laundry facilities. They also offer activities such as fishing hiking and biking. The park offers backcountry camping at North Head and Bell’s View. These campsites are hike-in only and require a permit. They offer primitive camping with no amenities but they do provide a unique and secluded camping experience.Private Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
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General activities
Cape Disappointment State Park is a haven for outdoorsy RV campers who love to engage in recreational activities. Here are the top five popular activities that attract campers to the park This 1.2-mile trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. Hikers can explore the lighthouses old military bunkers and lush forests along the way. The trailhead is located near the park’s campground. The beach offers a great spot for salmon and bottom fishing. Campers can also enjoy crabbing and clamming during the right season. The beach is located on the park’s southern edge. This 8.5-mile paved trail is perfect for cycling enthusiasts. The trail passes through the park’s old-growth forests dunes and beaches providing stunning views of the coastline. This historic lighthouse offers guided tours and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Campers can also explore the nearby Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This secluded beach is perfect for beachcombing and exploring tide pools. Campers can find agates shells and other treasures along the shore.Hiking the Cape Disappointment Trail
Fishing at Waikiki Beach
Biking the Discovery Trail
Exploring the North Head Lighthouse
Beachcombing at Benson Beach
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Alternative activities
For those who prefer less strenuous activities Cape Disappointment State Park still has plenty to offer. Here are the top five alternative activities that attract RV campers This museum offers exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition and the local history of the area. Campers can learn about the Native American tribes early explorers and the natural history of the park. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. Campers can spot bald eagles seals and other wildlife. This historic lighthouse offers a great photo opportunity especially during sunset. Campers can capture the beauty of the lighthouse and the surrounding landscape. This beach is perfect for lounging picnicking and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Campers can also take a leisurely walk along the beach. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding forests. Campers can also visit the local art galleries and studios along the way.Sightseeing at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Nature Watching at Bell’s View
Photography at the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Relaxing at Waikiki Beach
Visiting the Artist’s Loop
Season-specific experiences in Cape Disappointment State Park
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Spring activities
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Cape Disappointment State Park especially for RV campers. One popular activity is hiking the trails such as the Bell’s View Trail which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Another must-see is the North Head Lighthouse which is open for tours during the spring season. For those interested in history the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a must-visit featuring exhibits on the famous expedition. Fishing is also a popular activity with the park offering access to both fresh and saltwater fishing. Lastly bird watching is a peaceful pastime with a variety of migratory birds passing through the park during the spring.
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Summer activities
Summer is the peak season for Cape Disappointment State Park and for good reason. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming at Waikiki Beach or kayaking in the calm waters of Baker Bay. For history buffs the Fort Canby Military Museum is a must-visit featuring exhibits on the history of the park’s military installations. Another popular activity is exploring the park’s tide pools which are teeming with marine life during the summer months. Hiking is also a popular pastime with the park offering a variety of trails for all skill levels. Lastly the park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events during the summer including concerts and ranger-led programs.
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Fall activities
Fall is a magical time of year at Cape Disappointment State Park and RV campers have plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. One popular option is hiking the park’s many trails which offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding forests. The 2.5-mile-long Bell’s View Trail is a favorite among fall visitors with its vibrant foliage and panoramic vistas. Another must-see landmark is the historic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse which dates back to 1856. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its fascinating history including its role in helping ships navigate the treacherous waters of the Columbia River. For those interested in fishing the fall salmon run is a major draw. Anglers can cast their lines from the park’s many beaches and fishing docks hoping to reel in a big catch. Birdwatching is another popular activity in the fall as the park is home to a variety of migratory birds including bald eagles hawks and herons. Visitors can take a guided birdwatching tour or explore the park’s trails on their own keeping an eye out for feathered friends. Lastly no trip to Cape Disappointment State Park would be complete without a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This museum tells the story of the famous explorers’ journey to the Pacific Northwest with interactive exhibits and breathtaking views of the ocean.
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Winter activities
When the winter months roll around Cape Disappointment State Park transforms into a winter wonderland with plenty of recreational activities to keep RV campers busy. One popular option is storm watching as the park’s coastal location makes it the perfect spot to watch massive waves crash against the shore. The North Head Lighthouse is a favorite spot for storm watching with its panoramic views of the ocean.
Another winter activity is exploring the park’s many trails which offer a different experience in the snow. Visitors can hike or snowshoe through the forests taking in the beauty of the snow-covered trees and landscapes.
For those interested in history the Fort Columbia Historical State Park is a must-visit. This park is home to a historic military fort which played a crucial role in the defense of the Pacific Northwest during World War I and World War II. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort and learn about its history.
Birdwatching is also popular in the winter months as the park is home to a variety of wintering birds including loons grebes and scoters. Visitors can take a guided birdwatching tour or explore the park’s trails on their own keeping an eye out for feathered friends.
Lastly no trip to Cape Disappointment State Park would be complete without a visit to the nearby town of Long Beach. This charming seaside town is home to a variety of shops restaurants and attractions including the World Kite Museum and the Marsh’s Free Museum which is home to a collection of oddities and curiosities.