Skamokawa Vista Park

Vista Park opened in 1981 on a 75-acre site along SR4 in Southwest Washington, located in the historic community of Skamokawa. Each year it draws locals and tourists alike for camping, picnicking, easy beach access, hiking, inspiring river views and recreational activities.  

 

 

 

More InfoReserve

Camping

**Our Office has moved!  It is now located on the left once you pull off the highway**

Cancellations occurring less than seven days prior to the arrival date will be charged for a one-night stay. No Call, no shows will be charged entire stay.

All campers must check in upon arrival, and pay for their site in full within 24 hours of arrival.

Drop-Ins who arrive after office hours must reserve their campsite online immediately upon arrival. Guests who drop in after hours and do not reserve an open campsite online risk being asked to leave if the campsite chosen has already been reserved. A campsite that appears open may be reserved as guests may make their reservation online 24 hours a day.

Early Check-Ins need to be approved by Port staff and may be subject to additional fees.

Check-in: 2:00 p.m. Yurts*: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m. Yurts* 11 a.m.
(* yurt check-in time adjusted to allow staff extra cleaning time)
One vehicle allowed per site ( extra vehicles @ $5/vehicle/night)
Camp Supplies Available On Site:

Firewood @ $8/bundle

Ice @ $3/bag

Please note: collecting or cutting of wood, including driftwood, from any Port District property is not allowed unless authorized by the Port Manager.

Full Hookup Sites

Partial Hook-up Sites

Yurts

Tent Sites

Rates

Full hook-up $50/night
Partial hook-up $45/night
Tent Sites $30/night
Firewood – $8/bundle
Ice – $3/bag

If site is unavailable on online reservation system, the site has already been reserved.   

We now accept Good Sam discounts on Full, and Partial RV sites! Not a member? Click here to join for only $29/year.

Good Sam Club Brand Image

Yurt & Cabin Rental

3 16-foot yurt – $63/night

20-foot yurt – $73/night

Picnic Table & Firepit
Bunk Bed, Futon (folds out to double bed)
Electric Heat, Electric Plug Ins
Table with Chairs

***Martin Cabin*** 
$185 per night with 2 night minimum

Sleep 6-8 people, 1 queen size bed, couch (full size), 2 folding chairs (twin) and loft to lay out sleeping bags

3/4 bathroom, kitchen with stove top, fridge and Kurig (basic cooking utensils provided)

No Pets allowed in Martin Cabin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boat Launch

Vista Park – Skamokawa 

Motorized/Non-Motorized Launch  $5
Boat Launch Parking  $5

 

Svensen Park – Puget Island  

Motorized/Non-Motorized Launch  $5
Boat Launch Parking   $5

 

Yearly Pass $55

Yearly pass is good for all Port #2 Boat Launches. They can be purchased either at Svensen Park, or at the Vista Park office. 

 

History

Skamokawa has both a long history and prehistory; it was the site of an Indian village over two thousand years ago. The name Skamokawa means “smoke on the water,” so called after the fog which drifts down the three valleys opening onto the town and the Columbia River. Skamokawa was also the name of the last chief of the Wahkiakum Indians whose home was located in the area.

Sand & Water

Sand and water are available for purchase at Vista Park. 
Bulk water is allowed to be purchased Monday – Thursday for $5 (0-50 gallons) and $5 per additional amount up to 50 gallons. Please make payment at office (CC or cash) or with camp host (cash only). 
Sand is available for purchase during posted hours. Commercial inquiries welcome. 

Did You Know?

Skamokawa was listed on the National Register as a National Historic District in 1976, as one of the few surviving examples of a small water-based community once common along the lower Columbia River.

Skamokawa

Pronounced Ska-Mah-Kah-Way, Skamokawa is a Chinook term for smoke, or fog, on the water 

Gift Shop

Our humble gift shop, located within the Vista Park office, has a selection of beverages, snacks and Vista Park branded clothing. We also sell ice, firewood, and have a Blue Rhino Propane exchange. 

Online Reservations

We now offer a fast, easy way for you to make a reservation online. Just click on our “Reserve Online” link at the top of our page to make a reservation, or check availability.  If a site does not appear, it indicates that it is not available for the dates that you selected.  Currently Yurts are blocked out for online reservations, and must be booked by calling the office at 360-795-8605. 

Numerous ships travel up and down the Columbia River in front of Vista Park and Skamokawa, Washington. Vista park is in the background of this drone footage at the beginning of the video and Skamokawa, Viewpoint Landing and Price Island are in the background near the end.

Wahkiakum Port Dist. #2

The port district runs several parks in the county including Vista Park, Coffee Pot Island, and Puget Island’s Svensen Park.

Public meetings to discuss port business are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. at 5 Vista Park Road, Skamokawa, WA 98647. The building is located directly across from the Port shop at the entrance to Vista Park. . The meetings are also held remotely via Zoom.  The meeting ID is  984 096 8115, and the Passcode is 440554. The agenda is available in the Public Documents section of our website.

 

Coffee Pot Island

Donated in 2016 to the Port by a private party, Coffee Pot Island is an uninhabited island in the Columbia River, just offshore from Svensen Park. Since acquiring the property, the Port has installed informative signs detailing the flora and fauna found on the island. It is a great destination by boat from our Svensen Park boat ramp.  

 

Svensen Park

Located on Puget Island it provides a boat launch, restroom, parking area, and river access for fishing and recreation.

265 W. Sunny Sands
Cathlamet, WA 98612

 

Brian O'Connor

Commissioner #1

Brian represents the Skamokawa Area

Allen Bennett

Commissioner #2

Allen represents Puget Island.

 

 

 

Austin Burkhalter

Commissioner #3

Austin represents the West side of the district to the Pacific County line. 

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