Pacific Beach State Park
Washington

Pacific Beach State Park

Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Bird Watching
  • Beach
  • Winter Sports
  • Metal Detecting
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Olympic Peninsula Beach Camping

Pacific Beach offers direct beach access camping on Washington’s rugged coast—walk from your tent to the Pacific Ocean!

Camping

TypeSitesDetails
Standard64Electric, no sewer
SeasonYear-round

Reserve: parks.wa.gov or (888) 226-7688.

Beach

Wide sandy beach for beachcombing, kite flying, and campfires (restrictions may apply).

Is the beach walkable from campground?

Yes! The campground is right on the beach—just steps to the Pacific Ocean.

Things to Do

Washington state parks offer an incredible diversity of outdoor recreation — from the rain-soaked old-growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic landscapes of the Cascades, the arid canyonlands of Eastern Washington, and the island-dotted waters of Puget Sound. Popular activities include hiking through moss-draped temperate rainforests, beachcombing on wild Pacific shores, kayaking through the San Juan Islands, camping beneath towering Douglas firs, fishing for salmon and steelhead in glacier-fed rivers, rock climbing basalt columns, mountain biking forested trails, and cross-country skiing in winter. Many parks also offer historical interpretation, including military forts, pioneer homesteads, and Native American cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit

Washington’s outdoor season varies dramatically by region. Western Washington (including the coast and Puget Sound parks) is driest and warmest from June through September — this is peak season. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and mild temperatures but expect rain. Eastern Washington parks enjoy more sunshine year-round, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The San Juan Islands are best visited May through September for whale watching (orcas) and calm seas. Mountain parks in the Cascades open as snow melts, typically July through October. Winter transforms many parks into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destinations. Always carry rain gear west of the Cascades, regardless of season.

Visitor Tips

Washington state parks require a Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day) for vehicle access. Purchase one online through the Washington State Parks website before your visit — it covers all 100+ state parks. Camping reservations are made through the state parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks like Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment book months ahead for summer weekends. Many parks in the San Juans and islands are accessible only by ferry or boat — check Washington State Ferries schedules in advance. Cell service can be unreliable, especially on the coast and in mountain parks.

Explore More Washington State Parks

Pacific Beach State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Washington. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Washington guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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