Best Campgrounds near Kelso, WA

Several well-maintained campgrounds sit within a short drive of Kelso, Washington. Seaquest State Park Campground, about 12 miles away, connects campers to hiking trails and puts them close to Silver Lake's shoreline. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground has camping spots under tall trees, with a lake where you can swim and fish during warmer months. Paradise Point State Park Campground works well for families with its clean showers and restroom buildings. You should book sites ahead of time, particularly in summer when these places fill up fast. Fire rules change throughout the camping season depending on how dry it's been, so check before lighting anything. While you won't need special permits to camp at these state parks, it's smart to look up current rules before heading out. The Kelso area has camping that fits different needs, from basic tent spots to more developed sites with facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Kelso, Washington (195)

    1. Seaquest State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Silverlake, WA
    12 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. Hudson-Parcher Park

    12 Reviews
    Rainier, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 397-2353

    $10 - $33 / 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."

    3. Silver Lake Resort

    12 Reviews
    Silverlake, WA
    13 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."

    4. Paradise Point State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    La Center, WA
    20 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."

    5. Camp Kalama RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Kalama, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 673-2456

    "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."

    "Access to the kalama river. We kayaked around it was nice."

    6. Brookhollow RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Kelso, WA
    2 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."

    7. River bank

    4 Reviews
    Castle Rock, WA
    8 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."

    8. Toutle River RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Castle Rock, WA
    14 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."

    9. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    6 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    12 miles

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

    "This is my first wildcamping/boondocking location, but I loved it. It feels like you're right in the middle of the forest! It's a wide dirt pullout with room for 7-10 cars."

    10. Camp Wilkerson

    8 Reviews
    Vernonia, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 397-2353

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Kelso, WA

999 Reviews of 195 Kelso Campgrounds



Guide to Kelso

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Seaquest State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "It is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A camper shared, "The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead."
  • Wildlife Watching: Ike Kinswa State Park Campground is great for spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The sites had views of the lake and access to a lake trail," perfect for those who love nature.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground."
  • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Beaver Bay Campground. One camper said, "Lots of shade here. Some privacy between spots thanks to vine maples."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Skamokawa Vista Park. A reviewer stated, "The staff and camp hosts are very welcoming and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: If you're a light sleeper, be aware that some campgrounds, like Paradise Point State Park Campground, are near busy roads. One camper noted, "I could hear cars and trucks driving till 1am."
  • Site Size: Not all sites can accommodate large RVs. A visitor at Reeder Beach RV Park mentioned, "We saw drugged out guys walking around... There are other decent parks nearby that should be looked at WAY before this place."
  • Reservation Recommendations: During peak seasons, it's wise to make reservations. A camper at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground advised, "If you’re going on a weekend, we highly recommend making a reservation."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program."
  • Choose Private Sites: For more family privacy, opt for sites at Seaquest State Park Campground. A camper suggested, "If you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the loop that has 32 - 54."
  • Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and activities. A visitor at Skamokawa Vista Park mentioned, "The beach and ships makes this a place I’d like to share with our grandson."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Dimensions: Before booking, confirm that your RV fits the site. A camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground had a tough time with their RV, stating, "It was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds, like Ike Kinswa State Park Campground, don’t sell firewood. One camper noted, "You need to plan ahead and bring it in."
  • Stay Connected: If you need internet, check for Wi-Fi availability. A visitor at Jantzen Beach RV Park mentioned, "Wifi is very bad," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Kelso, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kelso, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kelso, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Kelso, WA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kelso, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kelso, WA is Seaquest State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Kelso, WA.

What parks are near Kelso, WA?

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