Large fir trees create a canopy over this horse-focused campground where corrals outnumber standard sites. Kalama Horse Camp operates as a specialized facility within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, designed primarily for equestrian camping but welcoming all visitors during its May through November season.
The campground's ten sites spread across forested terrain, each equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. Most sites include wooden horse corrals, and stock water is available for animals. "Each spot is large and quite private," notes Jessica C., with thick tree cover providing natural separation between campsites. A nearby creek adds ambient sound and offers relief during hot summer days.
Trail access defines much of the camp's appeal. Multiple hiking and riding routes branch directly from the campground, maintained through volunteer efforts and Forest Service work. The Pacific Crest Trail and Mount St. Helens climbing routes lie within reach for day trips. Mushroom foraging proves productive in season, according to visitor reports.
The campground charges $23 per night and accepts reservations, though first-come availability varies. Pit toilets serve the area, and campers should pack toilet paper as a backup. The access road can become rough in wet conditions, making high-clearance vehicles preferable.
Description
Overview
Kalama Horse Camp is located just outside the west boundary of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 27 sites accomodate primarily equestrian users, with nearby access to trails for horseback riding, hiking and biking.
Recreation
Interpretive Sites Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails
Facilities
Picnic Shelter Hitching Posts and Mounting Blocks
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKalama Horse Camp is located in Washington near Cougar
Directions
From Portland, OR take I-5 north to Woodland, WA. Take Exit 21 for WA-503 E toward Woodland/Cougar. Follow WA-503 East; turn left onto Forest Road 81, following signs for Kalama Recreation Area. Travel 8 miles north; turn right and continue following signs for Forest Road 81. Campground is on the right.
Address
46__ 8'33.15"N
122__19'36.71"W
WA
Coordinates
46.142931 N
122.324099 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 27 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 27 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 13 min from Olympia, WA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Olympia, WA
- 3 hrs 52 min from Yakima, WA
- 3 hrs 52 min from Yakima, WA
