Cape Lookout State Park
2025 construction project update
In 2025, the park will begin a construction project to reinforce the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops, upgrade electrical and water systems in C and D loops, improve day-use area and replace the campground restroom/shower building. General obligation bonds approved by the 2021 Oregon Legislature will fund the project. Learn more
A popular campground and day-use area, Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean. This scenic park is a destination for hiking, beachcombing and visiting sites along the Three Cape Scenic Route.
Miles of Hiking Trails
The 5-mile round-trip Cape Trail features views of the ocean and shore peeking through Sitka spruce and hemlocks on the way to the tip of Cape Lookout. On a clear day, you can see south 39 miles to Cape Foulweather and north 42 miles to Tillamook Head. The trail is mostly flat, but muddy and rocky in places.
Two segments of the Oregon Coast Trail—the North Trail and the South Trail—offer additional hiking through the forest above the ocean. The North Trail begins in the day-use area and continues 2.3 miles north to the Cape Trail trailhead. The South Trail continues south of the trailhead another 1.7 miles.
Or explore miles of ocean beaches along the Netarts Spit, north of the campground.
For a short, family-friendly stroll, try the park’s Nature Trail, which begins near the registration booth.
See our Cape Lookout Trail Guide for a hiking map.
Drive an electric vehicle?
Two EV charging stations are available at the day-use parking area. Learn more
Year-round Camping
The park is accepting reservations up to 6 months in advance. See reservation button at the top of the page to reserve.
- 38 full-hookup sites
- 170 tent sites with water nearby
- One electrical site with water
- 13 yurts (6 pet-friendly)
- Six deluxe cabins (3 pet-friendly)
- Group tent camping area
- Hiker/biker camp
- Flush toilets and hot showers (campers only)
- Firewood for sale (C Loop)
- RV dump station
- Universal Access: Two campsites and one cabin are accessible to campers with disabilities. Two yurts have ADA compliant ramps and features.
Know Before You Go
- The beach at Cape Lookout is protected by a 50' wide cobble-sized stone revetment. The revetment helps prevent erosion and stabilizes the man-made dune that protects the campground. Visitors who wish to access the beach must walk through the revetment. Please be careful walking on unstable cobblestones.
- Campsites do not have ocean views.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be on a 6' leash. They are permitted off leash on the beach north of the campground.
Three Capes Scenic Route
The northern end of this driving route begins in Tillamook and winds along the shore of Tillamook Bay to Cape Lookout and two other capes with many points of interest along the way.
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, north of Cape Lookout, features a historic lighthouse open for tours, hiking trails, picnic areas, whale watching, and the largest Sitka Spruce in Oregon.
South of Cape Lookout, Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island is an ecological wonderland situated in the Sandlake Estuary. You can tour the island on a 1.4-mile loop trail. Just across the estuary from Whalen Island is Sitka Sedge State Natural Area. More than four miles of trails loop through forestland and marshland and lead to a quiet beach.
Pacific City is home to a dory fleet and is the location of Bob Straub State Park, which provides access to the broad, sandy beaches of the Nestucca Spit.
Further inland, Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site has a short trail to a viewpoint overlooking the highest waterfall (319 ft.) in the Coast Range.
