Profile
Twin Harbors State Park: Pacific Coast Family Beach Camping Paradise
Twin Harbors State Park delivers an essential Pacific Ocean coastal vacation experience with expansive sandy beaches, shifting sand dune trails, and comprehensive camping facilities just south of Westport. This 172-acre oceanfront park combines direct beach access with diverse accommodation options including traditional camping, heated yurts, and rustic cabins, creating Washington’s premier family-friendly coastal destination for year-round beach recreation.
Twin Harbors State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Westport, Grays Harbor County, Washington |
| Address | 3120 WA-105, Westport, WA 98595 |
| Size | 172 acres |
| Established | 1937 (state acquisition began) |
| Key Features | Pacific Ocean shoreline, sand dunes, multiple accommodation types |
| Activities | Beach exploration, kite flying, surf fishing, clamming, surfing |
| Camping | 272 total sites (230 standard, 42 utility) |
| Special Accommodations | 5 cabins, 2 yurts, group camp |
| Trail System | 0.75-mile nature trail, 2.5 miles total trail system |
| Hours | 8 AM to dusk year-round |
Park Overview
Twin Harbors State Park sits along the shores of the Pacific Ocean four miles south of Westport Light, occupying a site that was once a U.S. Army training ground before the state began acquiring it for park use in 1937. The park provides opportunities for nature study and seaside activities along miles of ocean shore, with the chance to soak up sun and breathe ocean air in one of the most beautiful coastal settings on Earth.
The park’s shifting sand dune environment creates a unique landscape where visitors can explore trails through grassy dunes leading to driftwood-scattered beaches. Standard campsites 192 through 299 are strategically located on the ocean side of Highway 105 to provide easy pedestrian access to the beach, while the park’s comprehensive trail system includes a 0.75-mile nature trail and 2.5 miles of total trails winding through the shoreline pine forest.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Exploration | Miles of sandy Pacific Ocean coastline | Year-round | Easy |
| Kite Flying | Open beach conditions ideal for kites | Year-round | Easy |
| Surf Fishing | Direct ocean access from beach | Year-round | Easy |
| Clamming | Seasonal shellfish harvesting | Open season | Easy |
| Surfing | Pacific Ocean surf conditions | Year-round | Moderate |
| Nature Study | Sand dune ecosystem interpretation | Year-round | Easy |
Facilities & Amenities
Twin Harbors State Park provides comprehensive facilities designed to support extended coastal camping stays. The park features seven restrooms all accessible to people with disabilities, plus 14 showers with eight accessible units. Modern restrooms include hot showers, and a trailer dump station serves RV campers. The Welcome Center operates from May 15 through September 15, housing a park store that offers firewood, ice, snacks, ice cream bars, and beverages during office hours.
Additional amenities include horseback riding access on the beach (though not within the park proper, with no horse unloading facilities provided), metal detecting opportunities, and interpretive programs. The park maintains strict septic system protection policies, requesting that campers avoid chemical additives in holding tanks to prevent system failures.
Camping & Accommodations
Twin Harbors State Park offers 272 campsites total, including 230 standard campsites and 42 utility campsites. Utility sites are noted as small and close together, with a maximum site length of 35 feet and limited availability that may present challenges for larger RV units. The park includes hiker/biker sites for non-motorized travelers.
Beyond traditional camping, the park provides five rustic cabins (C1-C5) accommodating up to five guests each, furnished with bunk beds, queen-sized futon couches, tables and chairs. Cabins C2-C5 are pet-friendly for an additional fee. Two heated yurts (16 feet diameter, 10 feet high) offer similar accommodations with Y200 being pet-friendly. A group camp accommodates up to 60 guests with limited parking for 15 vehicles, featuring a large charcoal barbecue, picnic tables, and campfire circle without electrical power.
Planning Your Visit
A Discover Pass is required for day visits, with annual passes available for $45 and daily passes for $10. The park operates year-round with consistent 8 AM to dusk hours. Schafer Road beach access is limited to pedestrians only, as vehicles are no longer permitted due to deteriorating beach conditions.
Coastal park visitors should be aware of potential beach hazards and dynamic coastal conditions. Fires are allowed in all designated fire pits and grills, with propane and gas grills also permitted. The park’s location four miles south of Westport provides access to additional coastal amenities while maintaining a more secluded beach experience.
What to Bring & Know
- Beach recreation gear for kite flying, sandcastle building, and general ocean activities
- Current shellfish regulations and licenses for seasonal clamming opportunities
- Bed linens for cabin and yurt stays, as these are not provided by the park
- Awareness of coastal safety guidelines and beach hazard information
- Appropriate camping gear for potentially windy coastal conditions year-round
Final Word
Twin Harbors State Park stands as Washington’s essential Pacific Coast family destination, where shifting sand dunes meet endless ocean beaches in a setting designed for creating lasting coastal vacation memories.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.s
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
Recommended Locations
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.