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Camping
Although most national wildlife refuges do not allow camping, Willapa
National Wildlife Refuge permits camping in designated spaces on Long
Island. To minimize disturbances to wildlife and their habitats, no camping
is permitted on the mainland portion of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
(For those interested in camping on the mainland, sites are available
at the many area state and county parks and commercial campgrounds.)
There are five primitive campgrounds on Long Island with a total of 24
campsites. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Cutting
of live trees or standing dead trees is prohibited because they provide
homes for wildlife, but collection of fallen wood is allowed. Because
wood may not be available near the campsites, we recommend that you bring
your own.
Camp sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis only. Campers are required to register for specific campsites one week prior to the start of early elk archery season through the end of the early elk archery season. Registration is not required the remainder of the year. Early elk archery season generally takes place for three weeks in September, but exact dates vary. Leaving items unattended to hold a campsite is prohibited. Due to the high numbers of visitors during this period, no individual or group may camp for more than 14 days during this period.
Many different species of wildlife make their homes on Long Island, including numerous black bears. Camp "bear friendly" by hanging food and packing up your garbage. Adopt the "leave no trace" ethic to ensure a fun visit for yourself and those who follow. Please do not burn or leave trash.
For detailed information on camping, please contact Refuge Headquarters at 360-484-3482.
| Things to remember when planning your trip: |
|---|
| Long Island is accessible only by boat. |
| You generally need at least a 6 foot tide to access the island. |
| The tidelands surrounding the island are very soft, silty mud that requires special equipment to walk on. Test the footing carefully before exiting your boat! |
| Absolutely no pets (dogs, cats, etc.) are allowed on Long Island. Only certified assistance dogs are permitted. |
| There is no potable water on the island...plan on bringing your own! |
| Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. |
| Cutting of standing trees (live or dead) is prohibited. Because there is frequently no downed wood available near campsites, it is best to bring your own. |
| No collection of artifacts, mushrooms, or other items is permitted. |
| Most cell phones are not capable of picking up any signal on Long Island, or much of Willapa Bay. |
CAUTION:
Tidal fluctuations, currents, extensive mud flats, and rapidly changing
weather can make getting to and from the island difficult and occasionally
dangerous. Carry a tide table and check weather forecasts. Walking on
Willapa Bay mud flats requires special equipment…the fine silty mud
can act much like quicksand.
Willapa
NWR Complex Home
3888 SR 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624
360-484-3482
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