Richard B.
Traveler
TravelerThousand Trails Chehalis
A Pleasant Surprise
Beautiful wooded campground! Like all TT campgrounds a touch on the rustic side. Large, well spaced private sites. We visited mid-May and the campground was very quiet.
Best Campgrounds near Kalama, WA
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.
Campground Showdown near Kalama, WA
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites Near Kalama, Washington (227)
1. Paradise Point State Park Campground
33 ReviewsLa Center, WA12 milesWebsite+1 (888) 226-7688"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."
2. Seaquest State Park Campground
46 ReviewsSilverlake, WA20 milesWebsite+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."
3. Hudson-Parcher Park
13 ReviewsRainier, OR9 milesWebsite+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."
4. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground
40 ReviewsHeisson, WA22 milesWebsite"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."
5. Camp Kalama RV Park
6 ReviewsKalama, WA2 milesWebsite+1 (360) 673-2456"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
9 ReviewsVernonia, OR12 milesWebsite+1 (503) 366-3984$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!"
7. Bayport RV Park and Campground
10 ReviewsSt. Helens, OR13 milesWebsite+1 (503) 397-2888$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."
8. Sand Island Marine Park Campground
5 ReviewsSt. Helens, OR10 milesWebsite+1 (503) 310-0235$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."
9. Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park
39 ReviewsBuxton, OR26 milesWebsite+1 (503) 324-0606$32 - $57 / 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)."
10. Columbia Riverfront RV Park
3 ReviewsWoodland, WA7 milesWebsite+1 (360) 225-2227"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Kalama, WA
356 Photos of 227 Kalama Campgrounds
Rich G.
Hudson-Parcher Park
Ashley Y.
Camp Wilkerson
Corinna B.
Paradise Point State Park Campground
John P.
Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Al A.
Big Eddy Park
Bjorn S.
Big Fir Campground & RV Park
Steve M.
Clatskanie City Park
Tom K.
Seaquest State Park Campground
Corinna B.
Toutle River RV Resort
Brian C.
Paradise Cove Resort and RV Park
Derek B.
Cresap Bay Campground
Beth M.
Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Kalama, WA
1224 Reviews of 227 Kalama Campgrounds
Haary M.
ScoutJantzen Beach RV Park
Jantzen Beach RV Park – A Real-Life World Tour Stop for Travelers
Jantzen Beach RV Park resembles a real-life destination reminiscent of a Subway Surfers World Tour—a vibrant, accessible, and colorful location where travelers can take a break, recharge, and appreciate the environment before resuming their journey. Situated just minutes away from downtown Portland, the park provides that exhilarating feeling of having a"new city unlocked," featuring clean facilities, spacious sites, and numerous modern amenities. Much like navigating a new map in Subway Surfers, visitors here experience a blend of enjoyment and relaxation: heated pools, ubiquitous Wi-Fi, a fitness center, billiards room, game room, playground, and scenic walking paths along the stunning Columbia River shoreline. The sites are spacious, tranquil, and well-kept, with many guests valuing the serene atmosphere despite the park's convenient access to the city. Although the park can become busy—akin to a crowded tv station—and some long-term residents reside on-site, the overall experience remains smooth and accommodating for travelers. With full hookups and 60’ pull-thru sites, as well as pet-friendly areas, it offers everything necessary for you to continue your real-life"world tour" in comfort. If you are passing through Portland or considering a longer stay, Jantzen Beach RV Park serves as an ideal checkpoint on your travel itinerary—clean, convenient, and filled with the essentials every traveler requires before embarking on the next adventure.
Charles R.TravelerGee Creek Rest Area I-5
The Dyrt description is deceptive
This is a rest area along I-5 in SW Washington, nothing more, nothing less. There are NO RV hookups for stays, just a tank dump area and a place to fill your fresh water tank. Restrooms are clean. RV parking is with the semi trucks, but the dump area is with the car parking (poor design), if you in with the trucks, you can’t dump. If you dump, then parking is a real problem. This is for the south bound rest area, don’t know about the north bound stop.
- AAngela S.
GuideDairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park
LL Stub State Park/Dairy Creek
One of our new favorite northwest state parks. Two large full service loops with an additional large walk in tent areas. Very nice, level sites with decent amount established of foliage. This state park has welcome center with exhibits and friendly staff. Excellent trail systems with paved bike and natural hiking trails. Definitely will be back to this park.
- NNicole C.Traveler
Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Quiet spot near a waterfall
This location is private and near a beautiful waterfall. Like another review mentioned, you’ll take a right onto a road before the parking site for Panther Creek Falls. There is a gate that makes it look like the camp site is closed, but it’s not locked.
I was here for a few hours on a weekday. You can hear people coming and going from the trail parking, but it’s not too noticeable. Previous visitors have made a few makeshift fire pits. And the hum of the waterfall is lovely!!
- Charles R.Traveler
Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Not a bad place
Just an off the road parking lot during the day, people coming and going for the short hike to the falls. Quiet at night with very light traffic. Hike to the falls is moderate, with a few rocky sections. Wear good hiking shoes.
Chris J.Guidelava canyon, Cougar, Washington
Close to road
This site is close to a road. A decent amount of traffic went by when I checked it out. Would be a hard area to set up a larger tent. Would be ideal for rooftop tent or hammock camping. Creek near by with short trail to creek.
- AAnisha N.Traveler
Cook Creek
Nice small spot
We stayed in site #1 Nice little walk down to the creek! Found some cool rocks and gems! Site 1 & 2 are right next to each other but there was no one in 2. Other sites looked bigger but were occupied. Beautiful trees along the drive! We did get rained on but we were prepared! Also rode on the rope swing
Jodi B.ScoutRiver Oaks RV Park
Bad 2 good
Well, it started out pretty bad as our newly purchased RV broke down right b4 the park, then my car wouldn't start do to an ignition problem, the owners here couldn't have been more sweet , they were concerned for us and wanted the best for us, we did get both vehicles back up and running and stayed here at the park for a week, they let my husband use their latter to get moss off the roof of the RV, everyone here was super nice, I would definitely recommend stopping by and staying a night or two, very peaceful and so beautiful to look at, also clean restrooms always a plus.
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?
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?
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?
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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