RV camping near Kelso, Washington offers convenient access to Mount St. Helens, just 10 miles from the Interstate 5 corridor. The area sits where the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers meet, creating a diverse landscape of lowland forests and riverfront camping opportunities. Winter temperatures average 35-45°F with frequent rain, while summer brings 70-85°F days ideal for outdoor activities.
What to Do
Explore Mount St. Helens: Only about an hour drive from Toutle River RV Resort, providing excellent access to the visitor centers. "Only about 7 minutes to the visitors center for Mt St. Helens. There's about 200 rv spots but they do have a couple tent spots," notes Caitlyn B.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line directly from your campsite at Silver Cove RV Resort on Silver Lake. "The spots I've stayed in are huge. Room for a fifth wheel (awning and slide out), two vehicles and two large dogs without feeling packed in at all. The sites almost all back up to the water and fishing is pretty easy here. Mostly crappie and bass though I've seen a couple trout or perch pulled out," shares TundraFifth.
Riverside walks: Take advantage of trails along the Columbia River at Columbia Riverfront RV Park. "The campground is right on the Columbia river and this morning a giant cruise ship went by so it's a cool spot. The grass near the buildings are no pet zones but there is a massive area along the river for the dogs to explore," explains Chelsea B.
What Campers Like
Family-friendly amenities: Kids have plenty to do at Toutle River RV Resort with its extensive play areas. "This is the kind of RV park that I like. Nice spots surrounded by grass, decent space between sites (not much, but enough), and most importantly, lots and lots of things for kiddos to explore. There's random trails, a playground, big green fields, volleyball court, etc," writes Corinna B.
Clean facilities: Brookhollow RV Park maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and common areas. "Rest Rooms with showers are very clean all the time. Maintenance workers are busy about the park weekdays. Ice machine use is included. Picnic table under a 20-30 ft tree on every site," reports D.L.D.
Waterfront views: Many sites at Silver Cove RV Resort directly face the water. "We had a good site that backed up to water where we could do some fishing and had good space for the dogs. I'd recommend looking into which site you have as we have had a site during previous stay that was much less usable and compact/crowded," advises Derek F.
What You Should Know
Noise considerations: Be prepared for potential noise from transportation corridors. At Toutle River RV Resort, "I5 access is perfect, although road and train noise could be bothersome for some campers as the campground is nestled in between," writes Angela S.
Variable cell service: Despite proximity to highways, connectivity can be inconsistent. Silver Cove RV Resort has "very little privacy for those who prefer it, but I'm usually camping with others so I go from site to site anyway. Staff are very friendly and the park is pretty well maintained."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Costs increase significantly during peak seasons. One camper noted of Silver Cove, "Check out other parks in the immediate area for 1/2 or less than 1/2 of the price."
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal experiences. "It has a lot going on. There's a frisbee golf course that we didn't use but looks fun, really nice playground for the grandkids that's a fort, a store, swimming pool, a recreation hall with nice paintings on the outside and showers and bathrooms nearby. Sites at the back are not as nice and are near the train tracks," explains Richard B. of Toutle River RV Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Recreation options: Scappoose RV Park has a playground but consider road noise. "The spots are backed up against the road. Lots of trucks pass by and you feel like they are driving through your camping spot. On the positive side it has big beautiful trees and a playground for the kids," notes Sophia S.
Pool amenities: Several parks offer swimming facilities during summer months. "The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions. The spacious pull-thru sites made parking my RV hassle-free, and the electric hookups worked perfectly. The heated pool and walking paths along the Columbia River were nice touches that relaxed my stay," writes a visitor to Jantzen Beach RV Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for parks with dedicated children's areas. "Toutle River RV Resort is full of fun things for kiddos. This is the kind of RV park that I like. Nice spots surrounded by grass, decent space between sites (not much, but enough), and most importantly, lots and lots of things for kiddos to explore," shares one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the area require adjustments. "Full hookups with gravel pads for 70+$ per night. WiFi isn't free, must be purchased. We had spotty cell service with Verizon though we were directly off I5 corridor," notes Angela S. about Toutle River RV Resort.
Site reservations: Bayport RV Park requires specific reservation procedures. "Reservations are made online or there are some first come first serve spaces. We made a reservation in advance when we arrive there is no host but your spot has a reserved sticker on it. Park is small but clean and the sites are well spaced out. Lots of greenery around," explains Rob N.
Hookup variations: Different parks offer various connection options. "Sites range from open to treed with many of the pick nick tables needing refurbished. Full hookups with gravel pads for 70+$ per night. WiFi isn't free, must be purchased," reports one camper.
Big rig accessibility: Many parks accommodate larger vehicles but vary in pad quality. "Spaces are well space, lots of concrete pull through level pads. I have stayed here a couple of times now and will be back," shares a Brookhollow RV Park visitor.
