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.
"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."
"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."
$7 - $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."
"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."
"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."
$5 - $45 / night
"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!"
$30 / night
"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."
$30 / night
"Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!"
"This is on the columbia river water kayak trail."
$24 - $39 / night
"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)."
"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."
ScoutThere are two Gee Cr rest areas, one on northbound and one on southbound lanes of I-5.
Southbound dump station is newish, easy access, wide lanes, water and dump easy to get to, pretty clean. Now that they've excluded homeless camping, its alot more comfortable to be around
ScoutEasy online reservations. Camp host is nice and privacy is on point!
ScoutNice place. Quiet and clean and the staff are friendly. Close to stores and restaurants all within walking distance.
ScoutLuke the park host is extremely unprofessional and rude. He also hires on sketchy people to do the maintenance for the park, be sure to keep your kids close. The park will also kick you out same day for leaving a negative review. This park is corrupt and dirty and I highly recommend not staying here.
ScoutThis park offers one of the best riverfront locations in the region, with spectacular views of passing ships and beautiful sunsets right from your campsite. The facilities consistently earn high marks, showers and bathrooms are clean, well-stocked, and well-maintained, and the staff is generally friendly and helpful. However, recent reviews reveal significant changes: a new gravel processing plant has opened next door, bringing periodic loud noise and truck traffic throughout the night. The landscape is mostly gravel with minimal greenery, and some sites feel tight with limited privacy. The beach area has drawn complaints about litter and driftwood, making it less inviting for families. At$85–$100 per night, many longtime visitors feel the value has diminished and are choosing to look elsewhere. Bottom calgaryprayertimes.com line: if you snag a riverfront site and don't mind industrial noise, it's still lovely, but manage expectations accordingly.
GuideWe stayed overnight in this parking lot for free. It’s across the interstate from the main Multnomah parking lot. It was EXTREMELY windy it was shaking our van all night. Loud from interstate traffic and trains blow their horn. Very convenient if you are hiking the falls. It’s a 5 min walk to the restaurant and main overlook.
TravelerMy friends and I couldn't find a hotel in Portland so we rented a couple of these Tiny Homes for a weekend and it was a pretty neat launchpad. Got to discover Portland without the vast expense of RV storage or Big Name hotels. Just a matter of time though, it being Portland , before the locals ruin it
ScoutI've camped at Canyon Creek and it’s such a hidden gem! The dispersed hollow knight sites really let you connect with nature—perfect for escaping the daily grind. Just remember, pack out what you pack in! It’s all about preserving these beautiful spots for future adventurers. Happy camping!
ScoutClackamette RV Park is well located in the heart of Oregon City, offering easy access to the river, nearby bike paths, and the town itself. While it’s fairly basic, it’s well suited for a brief stay or overnight stop. The riverside setting is a pleasant bonus, the rates are fair for the area, and the on-site host provides a sense of security and organization.
- review from Geometry Dash
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.
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