Best Campgrounds near Castle Rock, WA

Castle Rock, Washington serves as a strategic base camp for exploring the Mount St. Helens region, with campgrounds scattered along the Toutle and Cowlitz rivers and around Silver Lake. The area features a mix of state park facilities like Seaquest State Park, which offers traditional tent sites alongside cabins and yurts, and private RV resorts such as Toutle River RV Resort and Silver Lake Resort. These mixed-use campgrounds typically provide full hookups for RVs while maintaining separate areas for tent camping, creating distinct camping experiences within single properties.

Road access to most campgrounds is straightforward, with many sites positioned just off Interstate 5 for convenient travel. A review mentioned, "Only about 7 minutes to the visitors center for Mt. St. Helens. There's about 200 RV spots but they do have a couple tent spots." While this accessibility is convenient, it comes with some drawbacks. Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation corridors, with trains and highway traffic audible at locations like Toutle River RV Resort. Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though winter brings significant rainfall and occasional snow, making summer and fall the peak camping seasons in this region.

Riverfront camping represents a defining feature of the Castle Rock area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. River Bank campground exemplifies this appeal, with one camper noting it's "a 4 acre field on the bank of the Cowlitz River, you must be fully self-contained. You park down by the river and enjoy the quiet and beautiful spot." Fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon and steelhead, enhance the appeal of these waterfront locations. Family-friendly amenities distinguish many of the established campgrounds, with facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and recreation fields available at larger resorts. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping options can be found in the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest, though these require more self-sufficiency as they lack the amenities of developed campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Castle Rock, Washington (199)

    1. Seaquest State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Silverlake, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 274-8633

    "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."

    2. Silver Lake Resort

    13 Reviews
    Silverlake, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 274-6141

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful gem of a campground within the trees and you can drive to Mt St Helen’s from here. In the summer you can canoe and fish."

    "There are so many buildings at the lake edge of the campground you can’t really see the lake. It’s noisy because the highway is literally right by you. There are no laundry facilities."

    3. Toutle River RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Castle Rock, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 274-8373

    "Well situated. Just off I-5, about 10 miles from the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center and about an hour north of Portland, Oregon. Lots to do, especially for kids."

    "Walk down to the river, play on the field, drive up to Mt St Helens visitor's center."

    4. Hudson-Parcher Park

    13 Reviews
    Rainier, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 366-3984

    $10 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "There was a stream behind our site. Lots of playground area (3 of them). It was very muddy on the roads and in the sites."

    5. Silver Cove RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Toutle, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 967-2057

    $60 - $289 / night

    "Not much to do close by. There is a row of full-timers. The facilities here are small but they are clean and newer looking."

    "this is a great spot, right on silver lake. the owners are great!"

    6. River bank

    4 Reviews
    Castle Rock, WA
    2 miles
    +1 (360) 743-1463

    $30 / night

    "It felt very much like renting out somebody’s backyard on the river, very private even with other guests next to us they were kind as well. It wasn’t the same as camping."

    7. Mt. St. Helens RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Castle Rock, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 274-8522

    $45 - $86 / night

    8. Streeter's Resort

    4 Reviews
    Toutle, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 967-2318

    "We booked a spot right next to the lake.  The people that run Streeter's are super nice and helpful.  The little store / cafe is great. "

    "Easy access to lake. There are cabins available as well as camping. Quiet at night too."

    9. Brookhollow RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Kelso, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-6474

    "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."

    10. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    16 miles

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    "Trail is short an easy to a beautiful waterfall. Great for an evening dip. However, cops came around about 930pm to inform me there is a high level of criminal activity around."

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Recent Reviews near Castle Rock, WA

1068 Reviews of 199 Castle Rock Campgrounds


  • Richard C.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Silver Lake Resort

    Nice Place - Great Hosts

    This was a great place to stay at when visiting our daughter.  We checked in after hours and the hosts were waiting for us and even opened the store for us to get some ice.  They were very friendly and made sure we had all we needed.  Sadly Silverlake itself is not very clean due to Weyhauser logging they are ruining the lake but if you are staying in Castlerock/Silverlake area I would recommend staying here

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Columbia Riverfront RV Park

    Unexpected gem

    We only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful. The spaces were a little close, but not enough to make me drop my rating. It's close to home, so we will definitely be back.

  • E
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park

    Wonderful, kind people!!!

    This campground is an excellent spot to spend some time on your travels! Highly recommend!! Pam and Trevor are wonderful and accommodating hosts!!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hudson-Parcher Park

    Great for the night

    This campground is actually pretty cute and they have three options on how you wanna camp. You could do tint camp where there’s no water or electricity hook ups, water and electricity or water, electricity, and a dump station. There is a park in the middle of the campground for smaller kids and it’s spaced out quite decently. You can hear traffic from a side road, but nothing that’s too crazy. The restrooms are very clean and the camp post were amazing.

  • Fondofo D.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Columbia River RV Park

    Great location

    Great location—right by the river. We arrived late in the evening, and the staff met us and showed us to our room, which was especially helpful in the dark. The downside is that the plots are very close to each other, so it feels cramped. In addition, the bright street lights were distracting at night— perhaps they are necessary for safety, but we found them excessive. On the other hand, there are excellent amenities and a long promenade for walking. The owners are very friendly. Overall, we were satisfied.

  • Traci O.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Maple Grove RV Resort (Randle) - KM Resorts

    Stayed Sept 2025

    Enjoyed the large sites and peaceful atmosphere. The staff were friendly and even allowed us to have an Amazon purchase delivered to the campground. Complaints would be the pool was ice cold- unusable. Hot tub jets did not work, and the excessive amount of rabbit poop (not good for dogs) made us keep our pups indoors. Not sure I would come again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Seaquest State Park Campground

    Beautiful forest, hot showers!

    Limited cell service with T-Mobile but it still works! Free WiFi in the day use area. Adequate bathrooms with mirrors, flushing toilets, hot shower! Peaceful yet can still hear the highway. Tent sites are $23-34 during the shoulder season currently. Sites marked with an “E” are $23, “B” $30, “P” $34. I’m not sure about the RV sites.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    American Heritage Campground

    Hidden Gem - Peaceful, family owned

    I’m always weary before I arrive. You never know what you’re gonna drive up to. I’d stay here any time. I feel safe, comfortable, spacious sites (only back in), fire pits, old school playground which we love and friendly owners who also staff it. Apparently it’s been in the fam for over 40 years. Lovely. Not new and fancy but quaint and classic.

  • L
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store

    Quiet spot on the Columbia river

    Nice quiet campground along the Columbia river in Oregon. Minutes from Portland, with lots of fun farm stands and rural experience.


Guide to Castle Rock

Castle Rock serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences near Mount St. Helens, with elevations ranging from 50 to 1,500 feet in the surrounding area. The region typically receives 50-60 inches of rainfall annually, with most precipitation falling between November and March. Campgrounds near Castle Rock offer a mix of riverfront, lakeside, and forested settings, with options available for both tent campers and RVers seeking developed facilities.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Access nearby waterfalls on short trails with modest elevation gain. At Beaver Falls Trailhead, a quick 15-minute hike leads to impressive falls. "The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down," notes Jaden J., though they caution about trash near the parking area.

Fishing opportunities: Cast for various fish species from designated areas or shorelines. Silver Lake offers particularly good bass fishing according to visitors at Silver Lake Resort. One camper mentioned, "Silver Lake is one of the best Large-mouth Bass fishing lakes in Washington State. We also have a lot of Crappie, Trout, Perch, Bluegill, Catfish, Warmouth, Pumpkin Seed, and two kinds of Carp."

Water recreation: Rent watercraft to explore local lakes during summer months. Silver Lake Resort provides rental options for those without their own equipment. "The lake is clean and they offer paddle boards and peddle boats for rent. Great place to unplug since there is no service," reports Chris W.

Junior Ranger programs: Participate in educational activities led by park rangers during summer months. Seaquest State Park offers engaging programs for children. One visitor shared, "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park."

What campers like

Riverfront access: Set up camp within view of flowing water for fishing or relaxation. River Bank offers direct Cowlitz River frontage with peaceful surroundings. "This is a 4 acre field on the bank of the cowlitz river, you must be fully self contained. You park down by the river and enjoy the quiet and beautiful spot," explains Steve B.

Mount St. Helens proximity: Stay near volcanic attractions without long drives. Toutle River RV Resort provides convenient access to Mount St. Helens attractions. "Only about 7 minutes to the visitors center for Mt St. Helens. There's about 200 RV spots but they do have a couple tent spots," notes Caitlyn B.

Wooded campsites: Find shaded spots among evergreen trees for natural privacy screens. Hudson-Parcher Park offers tree-lined sites that create separation between campers. "Great place not too far of a dive and quiet. Lots of playgrounds for the kids and a short drive to water!" remarks Heidi G.

Wildlife viewing: Watch for native birds including eagles, osprey, and waterfowl. Streeter's Resort campers report excellent bird watching opportunities. "Ospreys fished in front of us all day and the water was surprisingly warm," shares Jessica B.

What you should know

Variable site quality: Campground conditions can differ substantially across the same property. At Seaquest State Park, campers note significant differences between camping areas. "This campground is split into three loops; an RV loop, Mixed loop, and a predominantly tent loop. As with other Washington State Parks, the loop and camp spots each have a different cost ranging from $20-$30+ a night," explains Tom K.

Seasonal restrictions: Winter camping options are limited due to facility closures and weather conditions. Many campgrounds operate with reduced services between October and April. "As of this date, all visitor centers are closed due to covid. But for some reason the forest service and park service feel it's ok/safe to keep the gift shops open... masks are required," reported Carol during their off-season visit.

Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access vary widely between camping locations. Silver Cove RV Resort typically maintains better connectivity than more remote options. "Not much cell (occasionally 1 bar LTE AT&T). Too heavily forested for Starlink. Had to leave early Monday morning since we were working and needed internet," shared Kim G. about their Seaquest State Park stay.

Road and rail noise: Transportation corridors impact sound levels at several campgrounds. While Brookhollow RV Park maintains distance from major noise sources, others sit directly beside highways or train tracks. "Was hard for us to get a good nights sleep in between a highway and train tracks," notes Hani S. about their Toutle River RV Resort experience.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. Mt. St. Helens RV Park offers multiple recreation options. "They also have a kid zone that has a play ground, tether ball and a bounce house," explains Mary C.

Swimming options: Select campgrounds with pools or safe water access during summer months. Toutle River RV Resort provides a swimming pool and other recreational facilities. "We used this campground as our base camp for exploring the area. Walk down to the river, play on the field, drive up to Mt St Helens visitor's center," shares K D.

Yurt camping: Consider alternative accommodations for easier family camping. Seaquest State Park features a dedicated yurt area. "Loved the yurt village, which is in its own area on the other side of the campground from the regular sites. Yurts and restrooms were clean," reports Rachel.

Space considerations: Reserve larger sites when camping with multiple children. Hudson-Parcher Park offers spacious options. "Simple campground near Rainier. Lots of tall trees, private sites, playground for kids, and a big open field. Not the most scenic campground we've been to, but a good last minute stop over," explains Blaine B.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: Research specific utility offerings as they differ between campsites. Silver Lake Resort offers various hookup options. "New management has made a lot of improvements to a fantastic park. They brought us firewood and made suggestions on places to fish on the lake," mentions Randi.

Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some camping sites near Castle Rock. Hudson-Parcher Park requires modest leveling at some sites. "Nice quaint campground with plenty of space. Spot required little leveing. Full hookups $33, Water and Electric $30 a night," notes Greg B.

Self-contained requirements: Some riverside locations require completely independent RV systems. River Bank specifically requires self-contained units. "Even though it was dry camping it was very nice and bald eagles everywhere," says Steve B. about their riverside experience.

Site spacing considerations: Research campground layouts to find preferred spacing between sites. Brookhollow RV Park offers more generous spacing than many alternatives. "Spaces are well space, lots of concret pull through level pads. I have stayed here a couple of times now and will be back," shares stevan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping in Castle Rock, Washington?

Reservations are highly recommended for most camping areas near Castle Rock, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall). Paradise Cove Resort and RV Park is located just off the freeway and tends to have many full-time residents, so securing a spot in advance is advisable. Toutle River RV Resort also requires reservations to guarantee availability. During shoulder seasons (April and October), campgrounds like Streeter's Resort are typically quieter, potentially offering more flexibility. However, weekends can fill up quickly year-round, especially at state parks. For the best experience, book at least 2-3 months ahead for summer visits and holiday weekends, or consider camping midweek when availability tends to be better.

What amenities are available at Castle Rock camping areas?

Camping areas near Castle Rock offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Paradise Point State Park Campground provides beach access, trees for shade, and basic facilities, though it can be noisy due to its location. Beaver Bay Campground offers clean facilities with easy lake access for water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. Other area campgrounds typically include restrooms and showers, with token-operated shower systems common at state parks. Many private resorts feature on-site stores with camping essentials, laundry facilities, and RV hookups. Several campgrounds offer both tent and RV sites with varying levels of privacy. Water and electrical hookups are standard at developed sites, while some locations also provide dump stations, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails.

Where are the best camping spots near Castle Rock, WA?

The Castle Rock area offers several excellent camping options. Seaquest State Park Campground is a top choice with beautiful, shaded campsites and direct access to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, making it an ideal base for exploring the volcano. For lakeside camping, Streeter's Resort provides spots right next to the water with friendly staff and a convenient store/cafe on-site. Other noteworthy options include Toutle River RV Resort for RV travelers, Silver Lake Resort for water activities, and Mt. St. Helens RV Park. If you're willing to venture a bit further, Beaver Bay Campground offers access to Yale Lake for boating and water recreation, while Lower Falls Campground features stunning waterfall views along the river.