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.

Best Camping Sites Near Kalama, Washington (214)

    1. Paradise Point State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    La Center, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +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

    45 Reviews
    Silverlake, WA
    20 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."

    3. Hudson-Parcher Park

    12 Reviews
    Rainier, OR
    9 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."

    4. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Heisson, WA
    22 miles
    Website

    "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 Reviews
    Kalama, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +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

    8 Reviews
    Vernonia, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 366-3984

    $50 / 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"

    "Bring your horses and ride the trails and stay at the horse camp.

    Tent and two RV sites are on the first right turn and there is even a stream to play at."

    7. Bayport RV Park and Campground

    9 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. Brookhollow RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Kelso, WA
    9 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."

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

    38 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $27 - $41 / 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. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 214 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kalama, WA

1162 Reviews of 214 Kalama Campgrounds



Guide to Kalama

Camping near Kalama, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Mount Saint Helens: The Seaquest State Park Campground is a great launch point for your Mount Saint Helens adventure. One camper mentioned, "It is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration, with a Washington State Visitor Center you can walk to from the campground."
  • Fishing and kayaking: At Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and even stand-up paddleboarding. A visitor shared, "Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome."
  • Hiking trails: L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground has numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. One reviewer noted, "Lots of hiking to be had."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground."
  • Privacy in sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by certain sites. One reviewer at Seaquest State Park Campground mentioned, "If you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the loop that has 32 - 54. These were much more private."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. A visitor at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground said, "The campground host who greeted us upon arrival was friendly too."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground noted, "That noise. It's not the river. It's I-5 which is right in your back yard."
  • Site sizes vary: Not all sites can accommodate larger RVs. One camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground warned, "We couldn't even continue out the secondary loop because it was so narrow and had trees on the inside of turns."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store mentioned, "There is also nothing around here store or restaurant wise."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose sites with playgrounds: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds for kids. A camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to bring gear for fishing or hiking. One family at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground enjoyed the trails, saying, "Lots of hiking to be had."
  • Check for family-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities and friendly staff. A visitor at Seaquest State Park Campground appreciated the "convenient bathrooms and free showers."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground had trouble fitting their RV, stating, "The site map is not accurate at all!"
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood. A visitor at Skamokawa Vista Park mentioned, "Currently, fires are permitted, but wood isn't available for purchase."
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have Wi-Fi or laundry facilities. A camper at Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store noted, "I can't say the staff was friendly or welcoming."

Camping near Kalama, Washington, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to exciting hiking trails. Make sure to check out the campgrounds mentioned for a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kalama, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kalama, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Kalama, WA and 30 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kalama, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kalama, WA is Paradise Point State Park Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kalama, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Kalama, WA.

What parks are near Kalama, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Kalama, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.