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Camping near Kalama, WA

228 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Kalama, Washington sits at a strategic point along the Columbia River, providing campers with access to both riverside recreation and forested mountain terrain. Camp Kalama RV Park offers year-round camping with full hookups and river access for kayaking, while Kalama Horse Camp in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides a more rustic experience with trail access. Within a 30-minute drive, Seaquest State Park offers tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts near Mount St. Helens, while Paradise Point State Park provides riverside camping closer to Interstate 5. The region balances developed campgrounds with more remote forest service sites.

    Road conditions vary significantly between the riverside campgrounds and those in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Forest Road 81 near Kalama Horse Camp requires careful navigation, with several miles of gravel that can be rough in sections. As one camper noted, "Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs over 25 feet long." Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in forested areas, though some campgrounds like Seaquest offer Wi-Fi in certain loops. Washington's Discover Pass is required for state park day use, while national forest camping may require Northwest Forest Passes or specific campground fees. Weather remains mild year-round near the river, but mountain areas can experience significant temperature drops and occasional snow from late fall through spring.

    Proximity to Mount St. Helens creates a popular draw for many campers in the area. "Seaquest is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration, with a Washington State Visitor Center you can walk to from the campground," reports one visitor. Waterfront access represents another key attraction, with the Kalama River providing kayaking opportunities and fishing spots. Campers frequently mention the extensive trail networks, particularly around Kalama Horse Camp where "there are several awesome trails you can take right from the campground." Highway noise affects some riverside campgrounds, particularly those near I-5, while forest service campgrounds offer more seclusion but fewer amenities. Most established campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and at least vault toilets, with many offering shower facilities.

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    Best Campgrounds near Kalama (228)

      1. Paradise Point State Park Campground

      3.2(35)12mi from Kalama89 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to freeway for easy access. Nice walking paths. Typical state park yurt set up."

      "It is a very convenient place to camp being close to the interstate. We stay 3 nights. the bathrooms were clean and the dumpsters were close by."

      from $12 - $76 / night

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      2. Seaquest State Park Campground

      4.1(47)19mi from Kalama103 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I love Seaquest for their beautiful campsites and the proximity to a wonderful forest to bathe in."

      "I gave this park a high rating primarily because of its location."

      from $12 - $87 / night

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      3. Hudson-Parcher Park

      3.9(14)9mi from Kalama46 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Even though I stay only 10 miles away from this park I never knew that this was even here whether it be only paying five dollars to be able to come take a shower whenever which is great so when you're"

      "Not much distance between sites. I was there in May and it was super quiet. Plenty of sites open. Very friendly host- Kathy. Not much to do though. Close to the road."

      from $10 - $75 / night

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      4. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

      4.3(41)22mi from Kalama69 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington."

      "Battleground is a nice and well loved state park not far from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington."

      from $12 - $87 / night

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      5. Camp Kalama RV Park

      4.0(6)2mi from KalamaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Access to the kalama river. We kayaked around it was nice."

      "Campground was clean, access to the river . Great fishing very chill quiet campground right off I-5 and close to shopping. I will stay again."

      6. Camp Wilkerson

      4.6(9)12mi from Kalama61 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Stayed the night in one of thier small cabins, very nice sat outside by the fire and just watched the stars, this is a primary horse camp and is surrounded by trails, seen a heard of elk on one of my hikes"

      "Since the camp is planned predominantly as a youth recreation center, I was a bit worried that it would be a pretty loud campsite due to lots of kids running around. That was not the case for us!"

      from $45 / night

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      7. Bayport RV Park and Campground

      3.9(10)13mi from KalamaRVs, Tents

      "Location is close to town but still feels like you are in your own little world. Beautiful walking paths line the water. A must visit for sure!"

      "Next to a moderately busy road, but paved spots, WiFi, lovely walking trails and bathroom and showers are clean and maintained! Must have a tent pitched, if traveling and staying with your vehicle."

      from $30 / night

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      8. Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

      4.4(41)26mi from Kalama55 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We stopped here on our way south from Washington. Had a nice stay. Campsite was so clean, even the gravel was raked. Plenty of room at each campsite. Bathrooms were old but very clean and well kept."

      "As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG)."

      from $32 - $57 / night

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      9. Columbia Riverfront RV Park

      5.0(3)7mi from KalamaRVs

      "It was conveniently located close to Portland and stores. The staff was really friendly and the facilities are super clean. And guess what…. The laundry machines actually work!"

      "It's close to home, so we will definitely be back."

      10. Brookhollow RV Park

      4.8(4)9mi from KalamaRVs, Tents

      "Drive-through and back in sites available. Sites are level on a slab of cement on which you may be able to park two cars if you camper is under 30 feet."

      "Lots of shopping nearby. Monthly rates are spectacular."

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    Recent Reviews near Kalama, WA

    1254 Reviews of 228 Kalama Campgrounds


    • Clint W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Kosmos Recreation Area (Tacoma Public Utilities)

      Well worth the money

      This is a really pretty site. The camping and beach access is great. We saw bald eagles and very low flying cargo planes. There is some kind of RC flying area on the north side of the site. 

      There is road noise, but that is going to depend on where you camp. There are sites right next to the road and sites a few hundred yards away. There are"homeless" camps here. They didn't bother us, but you can tell that not everyone here is a recreational camper. 

      It is large enough that we got our class A with trailer in and out. There is a bit of a loop, but this can be blocked so check first. The road is very rough, you have to go slow. 

      There is a dump and non-potable water station at the park a few miles up the road. It is$5 for non-campers today.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2026

      Tillamook State Forest Jordan Creek OHV Campground & Staging Area

      Good but can be noisy

      Jordan Creek Dispersed has 12 designated camp sites before you go up the mountain. They are a mix of tent and RV spaces. I stayed in site 10,about 100 feet from the creek and a ohv trail entrance beside my camp site. There's enough room for 2, 30ft trailers at this site or a large 5th wheel. This is the last spot where big rigs can turn around. Starlink was spotty due to tree cover but it was a peaceful place.

    • Kirk J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 26, 2026

      Seaquest State Park Campground

      Thick foliage

      Beautiful campgrounds. The green foliage is so thick and lush. The trees have to be a couple of hundred feet tall. The uniqueness and beauty of this park is unmatched.

    • Amy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 26, 2026

      riffe lake

      Pretty but no privacy

      Its absolutely beautiful here. Views of the lake all over the place. But theres not much privacy. More of an open lot and you just set up where you want to. A few people living out of their rigs here it seems. But everyone is supper nice. There are 2 porta potties. I was told they just got cleaned today, not sure how often they get cleaned though

    • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 26, 2026

      Elochoman Marina

      Can't say enough good things

      Beautiful riverfront location at a marina. $30 a night park in the asphalt lot, with coin showers and restrooms. All other sites have power poles and water. We stayed on "the dike" with picnic table, fire pit, power and water for $45 a night, with a gorgeous view of the inlet on one side and the marina on the other. Several cute restaurants within walking distance. Laundry facilities on site, but also a local laundromat. Amber was amazingly helpful.

    • Amy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 25, 2026

      Rock Creek Campground - Yacolt Burn State Forest

      Tranquil state of mind

      So peaceful. Had a beautiful spot with a short trail to the creek. Has some very clean pit toilets through the camp ground. Its a horse camp, to be mindful of the horses. Lots of sites for non horse trailers as well

    • Amy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 24, 2026

      Cold Creek Campground

      Campground closed

      Campground is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays unfortunately. Decided to check out the day area instead. It has access to the creek which is nice, along with a pit toilet. Disappointing that the campground isnt open 7 days a week.

    • Caylie R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 22, 2026

      Cole Mt Ridge

      Gate blocking access road

      Attempted to access this location June 2026 but was unable to due to a gate blocking the road. The signage suggests the area is closed due to previous complaints of litter :(


    Guide to Kalama

    Campgrounds near Kalama, Washington range from developed RV parks along the Columbia River to state parks with multiple accommodation options. Camp Kalama RV Park provides riverside camping with full hookups and access to the Kalama River for fishing and kayaking. Columbia Riverfront RV Park in nearby Woodland offers waterfront camping with scenic river views. Most locations support both tent and RV camping, with several parks also featuring cabins or yurts for visitors seeking alternative accommodations.

    Several campgrounds in the Kalama area remain open year-round with varying amenities and site configurations. Water and electric hookups are common at established campgrounds, though site spacing can be tight, especially during peak season. One camper noted, "The spots were so close together we were sitting next to our neighbors sewer/utilities. We were unable to extend our awning, it would have hit our neighbor." Despite the proximity issues, most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly on weekends and during summer months. Interstate 5 provides easy access to most campgrounds in the region, though some highway noise may be noticeable at locations closest to major roads.

    Riverfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Kalama area. The Columbia River and Kalama River provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. A visitor commented, "Access to the river was amazing and a pair of bald eagles were flying and hunting around and over the river." Campgrounds vary in privacy levels, with some offering more spacious sites than others. Public areas along the waterfront often provide additional recreation space beyond individual campsites. Reviews consistently mention the convenience of Kalama-area campgrounds for accessing regional attractions while maintaining proximity to services and shopping. The mix of developed campgrounds with full hookups and more basic tent camping options accommodates various camping preferences and budgets throughout the Kalama region.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is camping available along the Kalama River?

    Yes, camping is available along the Kalama River, with several options depending on your preferences. Lower Falls Campground offers a spectacular riverside camping experience next to what many consider one of Washington's most beautiful waterfalls. The campground features a trail that runs along the river, providing easy access to the water and scenic views. For those with RVs looking for river access, Paradise Point State Park Campground provides campsites with a beach area, though visitors should note it can be noisy due to its proximity to I-5. Camp Kalama RV Park also offers direct Kalama River access, popular with kayakers.

    Where are the best camping spots near Kalama, WA?

    The Kalama area offers several excellent camping options. Kalama Horse Camp Campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest stands out with its easy access, varied campsite sizes, and proximity to multiple trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding. For those seeking lake access, Beaver Bay Campground provides a well-maintained private campground about 45 minutes east of I-5 with easy access to Yale Lake for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Other notable options include Seaquest State Park (great for Mount St. Helens exploration), Paradise Point State Park, and for those seeking a more rustic experience, McBride Lake offers dispersed camping options that can accommodate small trailers.

    What amenities are available at Camp Kalama RV Park?

    Camp Kalama RV Park offers a simple but well-equipped camping experience with direct access to the Kalama River, making it perfect for water activities like kayaking. The park provides the essential amenities RV campers need for comfortable stays. For those looking for alternatives with more extensive facilities, Seaquest State Park Campground offers RV sites with hookups, though they are arranged in a more parking lot-style setting with less privacy between sites. The park's main advantage is its location, serving as an excellent base for exploring Mount St. Helens, with a Washington State Visitor Center accessible by foot from the campground.