It is located about 10 miles (16 km) south of the city of Cannon Beach, adjacent to Arch Cape, on the Pacific Ocean.

[2] Urban legend claims pirate treasure is buried near Smugglers Cove but has never been found.

Oswald West is currently a day-use area only, though the park historically had 30 walk-in tent sites.

[3] The campsite was surrounded by giant old-growth Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar,[4] as well as smaller brush including red huckleberry, salmonberry and salal bushes.

Subsequently, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department decided to close the campground indefinitely citing public safety.