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Best Campgrounds near Kelso, WA

1,064 Reviews

The southwestern Washington region surrounding Kelso provides a strategic base for exploring diverse camping environments, from forested state parks to riverside retreats. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Seaquest State Park near Castle Rock, which serves as a gateway to Mount St. Helens with its mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts nestled among tall trees. Brookhollow RV Park in Kelso itself offers well-maintained facilities with level cement pads and convenient proximity to urban amenities. The area between Interstate 5 and the Cascade foothills contains several campgrounds with varying levels of development, including Silver Lake Resort and Camp Kalama RV Park, both offering water access and hookup options for recreational vehicles while maintaining access to natural surroundings.

Camping reservations are essential during summer months, particularly at state parks where sites can fill months in advance. As one camper noted about Seaquest State Park, "If you can step away from the hookups and get a real campsite off the RV pad, it is a stunning experience. Each site is surrounded by trees, creating privacy and serenity." Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for persistent rainfall and occasional snow at higher elevations. Most established campgrounds in the region operate year-round, with reduced services during winter months. Cell coverage varies significantly, with stronger signals near Interstate 5 corridors and diminishing reception as campers venture eastward toward Mount St. Helens or deeper into forested areas.

Waterfront camping opportunities abound throughout the region, with several sites offering access to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Campers frequently mention the value of selecting sites away from highway noise, particularly at Paradise Point State Park where road noise can be significant. A reviewer noted, "The campground is beautiful, especially the spaces further away from the road that are surrounded by large trees." The proximity to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument provides unique recreational opportunities, with Seaquest State Park offering direct access to the visitor center via an underground tunnel. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and junior ranger programs are available at several state parks, while more secluded experiences can be found at smaller Forest Service campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kelso, Washington (205)

    1. Seaquest State Park Campground

    45 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) 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."

    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

    35 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. Toutle River RV Resort

    11 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."

    8. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    7 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."

    "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."

    9. 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."

    10. Camp Wilkerson

    9 Reviews
    Vernonia, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +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!"

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340 Photos of 205 Kelso Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kelso, WA

1064 Reviews of 205 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 are the best campgrounds near Kelso, WA?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within easy driving distance of Kelso. Seaquest State Park Campground stands out for its beautiful wooded campsites and proximity to Mount St. Helens, with a visitor center you can walk to from the campground. Paradise Point State Park Campground offers a nice beach area, though some campers note it can be noisy due to highway proximity. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Skamokawa Vista Park provides Columbia River views with options ranging from tent sites to full hookups and yurts. Each offers unique advantages depending on whether you prioritize natural surroundings, recreational opportunities, or proximity to attractions.

What amenities does Rock Bottom Campsites in Kelso offer?

While specific reviews for Rock Bottom Campsites are limited, comparable campgrounds in the area like Camp Kalama RV Park offer amenities that typically include water hookups, toilet facilities, and reservation options. For a more amenity-rich experience near Kelso, Toutle River RV Resort provides full hookup sites suitable for big rigs. When planning your stay at Rock Bottom Campsites, it's advisable to call ahead to confirm current amenities, reservation requirements, and seasonal availability as offerings may change throughout the year.

Can I find lakeside camping near Kelso?

Yes, there are excellent lakeside camping options within driving distance of Kelso. Beaver Bay Campground is about 45 minutes east of I-5 and provides easy access to Yale Lake for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water activities. The campground is well-maintained and clean. Another option is Silver Lake Resort near Silverlake, offering both drive-in and boat-in access with basic amenities including water and toilets. For a state park experience with a lake, Battle Ground Lake State Park is within reasonable driving distance from Kelso and features fishing opportunities in a scenic forested setting.

Are there good RV camping options near Kelso?

Columbia River RV Park offers convenient RV camping with Columbia River access and proximity to Portland. The park provides hookups and is well-situated for exploring the region while enjoying waterfront views. Another option is Skamokawa Vista Park, which features partial to full hookup sites directly on the Columbia River. For those looking to explore Mount St. Helens, Seaquest State Park has RV sites, though they're arranged in a more parking lot-style setting with less privacy than the tent sites. Most RV parks in the area remain open year-round, but advance reservations are recommended, especially during summer months.

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