Washington Coast's Cape Disappointment Campground Closes for Remodel in Sept

Published 02/21/25 at 6:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Ilwaco, Washington) – For the first, time Cape Disappointment on the Washington coast will live up to its name. (Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery)

Washington State Parks (WSP) said the campgrounds there will be closed starting September 15 as the park's overnight facilities get renovated, keeping the area shuttered until May of 2026.

“We know it's only February, but some of you busy beavers are already booking campsites for October,” WSP said on social. “Please note that Cape Disappointment's campgrounds (and some day-use areas) are scheduled to close on Sept. 15 for major construction and remain closed until May 2026.”

However, there is one shining light in all this – if you'll excuse the pun.

“If you ever wanted to stay in a lightkeeper's residence, now is your chance, as the North Head lightkeeper's and assistant lightkeeper's houses will stay open,” WSP said.

WSP

For the most part, day-use areas remain open during that fall, winter and spring project.

Cape Disappointment's camping loops A, B, C and D are closing during the construction work, as well as Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty.

“The boat launch will also experience intermittent closures,” WSP said.

Camping prices in Washington State also rise in the spring.

Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery

The agency is going to replace the culverts on the campground road, improve the park entrance and traffic flow, and build a new welcome center, among other structural changes.

On the natural side of the Oregon and Washington coast favorite: the Three Waters Trail system will get more hiking opportunities, and some wetlands will get restored, giving back habitat for wildlife.

Meanwhile, vacation homes at neighboring Fort Columbia remain open. Day-use areas absolutely untouched by the work include the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse and Beard’s Hollow.

Among the benefits to the project, WSP said the campground will be safer – especially for RVs and camp trailers. Restored wetlands and more wildlife will improve the look and experience of the park.

“While Parks is tasked with the maintenance and upkeep of the lands entrusted to us, including conservation of natural resources and recreation access, we recognize these closures impact the local communities our parks are a part of,” WSP said. “As the project progresses, we will look for opportunities to increase access to the park when and where we can.” See Cape Disappointment State Park in Washington.

To Washington Coast

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Photo courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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