Ocean City State Park

Introduction of Ocean City State Park

Those looking for a beachside location for their next RV vacation should head to the scenic Washington coast. Ocean City State Park is located on the beach and provides an unpretentious setting for visitors to connect with nature and forget about the stresses of daily life. Whether you want to simply relax on the beach or engage in more vigorous outdoor recreation, Ocean City State Park has a wide range of activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Ocean City State Park is one of the state’s smallest parks, measuring only 257 acres. But don’t be fooled by the size. Whatever time of year you visit, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. The beach is obviously the main draw, and the park is well-known for its beautiful sunsets. You can go beachcombing, fishing, swimming, boating, or birding with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. There are also miles of trails that run through the area, and the nearby Ocean Shores Interpretive Center is a great place to learn more about the area. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated no matter how you spend your time here.

If one day isn’t enough to soak in the park’s breathtaking views, park the RV overnight at one of the 178 campsites. Overnight guests can choose between standard or full-hookup sites, and the campground is open all year.

Ocean City State Park Camping

The campground at Ocean City State Park is divided into four distinct loops. The majority of the 178 sites are standard, but 29 have full hookups; full hookups are only available in Loop 4. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and pets are welcome. Loops 1, 3, and 4 have restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, while Loop 2 has vault toilets. A dump station is located in Loop 1, and there are several parking lots scattered throughout the campground.

Overnight guests can keep themselves entertained with hiking trails that lead to the beach, picnic areas, and plenty of grassy areas in Loops 1 and 2 for volleyball, badminton, or croquet. Firewood can be purchased at the park’s Welcome Center on your way in, and any other supplies you may require can be found in the nearby city of Ocean Shores, which is just a few minutes south of the park. The campground is open all year, and reservations can be made in advance online.

Ocean City State Park Activities

Fishing

Those who want to go ocean fishing during their RV trip to Ocean City State Park will have the opportunity to catch chinook salmon, halibut, and, with luck, albacore tuna. Ocean fishing is not for the faint of heart, and boating conditions can become hazardous if the weather rapidly changes. There are private outfitters located along the coast if you want to cast out but aren’t sure if you’re up for the challenge, or if you didn’t tow a boat behind the Sprinter.

If you prefer lake fishing, take a short drive south to Ocean Shores. Duck Lake is abundant here, with common catches including rainbow trout, yellow perch, and bluegill.

Swimming

Although summers on the Washington coast aren’t known for being hot, it can still be fun to spend a day playing in the waves – so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. If you have a lot of stuff to bring to the beach, you can drive right onto the sand if the weather permits. Even if you don’t want to dip your toes in the cold, salty water, you can spend the day at the beach sunbathing, beachcombing, or simply admiring the scenery.

Hiking

Although Ocean City State Park is not known for its extensive trail network, there are a few short hikes available. Visitors will find trailheads throughout the campground, some of which will take them around the park’s grassier areas, while others will take them directly down to the beach. The trails aren’t particularly long or difficult, but they make for a pleasant after-dinner stroll and a good way to stretch your legs after a long ride in Class A.

Claiming

During the spring, people flock to Ocean City State Park and the surrounding area to dig for razor clams. After you’ve parked the Airstream and set up camp, head to the beach and start hunting. The weather may be less than ideal, but those willing to brave the elements will be rewarded with plenty of these tasty mollusks. All you’ll need is a clam shovel, a container, and a license, of course.

Picnicking

There is no better way to spend a pleasant summer afternoon than with a scenic picnic. Ocean City State Park has ten unsheltered picnic tables and four with shelters. If you prefer, you can hunker down right on the sand at the beach. If you stay overnight, you can, of course, enjoy a private picnic right outside your RV, as each campsite has a fire ring and table. Those expecting a large group or hosting an event should travel a few miles north to Griffiths Priday State Park, which has a larger picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Reservations are strongly advised.

Ocean City State Park Location

Ocean City State Park, located in the heart of the scenic Washington coast, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The park is easily accessible because it is located just off WA-109. This well-maintained route has a few twists and turns along the way, but even large rigs should have no trouble getting to the park. The famously picturesque Highway 101 is also just minutes away, and you could spend days driving up and down the dramatic coastline.

Once you’re inside the park, the main road will take you to the campground, interpretive center, trailheads, and, of course, the beach. The fact that you can drive directly onto the beach (weather permitting) eliminates the need to lug your picnic baskets and beach gear all the way from the parking lot.

Parking

If the weather does not permit driving onto the beach, there are numerous parking lots in and around the campground. Those who are staying overnight can, of course, park at their designated location.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available