Top Tent Camping near Kelso, WA
Looking for an adventure where you can explore Kelso and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best tent camping sites near Kelso. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Kelso, WA (36)
1. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only
9 Reviews•26 Photos•20 Saves45 tent camping sites NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Group camping facility with 15 tent camping sites and a covered picnic shelter with fireplace and sink NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Day use picnic area (see fees) Swimming beach Beaver Bay hiking trail accessed from this park. Water and restrooms provided Boat ramp Entrance gate closes at 9 p.m.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
2. Sand Island Marine Park Campground
5 Reviews•5 Photos•113 SavesSand Island St. Helens Campground is located just 25 minutes from Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. This 31.7 acre offshore overnight camping experience offers docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections, water adventure rides and more. This brand new camping facility is fun for the entire family and sure to become a frequent camping destination. Upon arrival for overnight stays first check in at the St. Helens Marina. Our courtesy shuttle will unload your gear and take you to the parking lot for your vehicle and bring you back to the marina. Once you arrive on the island via our boat shuttle our staff on the island will take you to your campsite and even take your gear to your campsite with our speedy people mover. Each overnight camping group is offered this free shuttle to and from the St. Helens, Marina daily. Overnight guests can receive a phone number for late night check in if you plan to arrive after 5 p.m. Please ask for this in your booking description area online. Bathrooms are on the island, showers are a 3 minute shuttle ride to the main land. The island offers spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State and Mt. Hood in Oregon State plus stunning river views. Huge commercial ships will take your breath away as they grace the river on the east side of the island. The sandy beach point is a wonderful place to take it all in. Horseshoes, corn hole, and other games are available to check out and enjoy. Pets in your control are welcome as long as you clean up after them and do not disrupt other guests. A dog that barks at strangers or just because…will be politely asked to go home. A peaceful experience is our goal for all guests. Additionally, the island is just a shuttle ride away to the City of St. Helens river front district complete with lovely dining experiences, fun shopping, buying souvenirs at local gift shops or at the famous 2 C’s Vendor Mall. You can even take in a movie at the historic Columbia Theater or savor a wonderful cocktail or craft beer if the mood hits you.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
$30 / night
3. Four Directions Retreat
2 Reviews•13 Photos•31 SavesOur beautiful property features, forest and meadow settings. We have a beautiful new stage we built in 2019. We also have a tiny cabin available.(Tiny cabin per night-$85, plus a Tipi at $65 a night.) We offer much more! Lovable goats!!! We will provide WIFI. Make sure you read about our amenities. We are located close by a lot of cool activities. Columbia River 10 minutes away. Trojan Park 8 minutes away. Scappoose Bay 20 minutes away. Beaver Falls 20 minutes away!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$30 - $300 / night
4. Merrill Lake Campground
6 Reviews•20 Photos•119 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
5. Clatsop State Forest Gnat Creek Campground
7 Reviews•22 Photos•72 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
$10 - $15 / night
6. An Oasis in Nature
6 Reviews•31 Photos•121 SavesHi and welcome. We have forty beautiful acres of pasture and forest halfway between Portland and the Oregon coast. We are above the small community of Buxton Oregon and easy to get too We are open during the shutdown We have four campsites each one not visible from the other on a five-acre section of our property. Accessible through a dirt farm road. Each campsite has a fire pit, picnic table. A couple of chairs. and a hammock We also have an RV toilet in a small tent and provide five gallons of spring water in a BPA free container We have cows, goats, lama chickens, ducks geese, and turkeys. That are friendly and you can visit with as well as hike on our property Gardens. Geodesic dome greenhouses berries and fruit trees We also have rooms available at our home and retreat center And have a sauna hot tub flotation tank. Red light therapy and Pandora star light entrainment device I do physical and emotional healing work through a energy that runs out of my hands and an ability I was born with that I have taken much training on. It is an energy that runs out of my hands you will feel as warmth. My wife does past life regression sessions dreamwork and teaches meditation
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$45 / night
7. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
9 Reviews•25 Photos•654 SavesForest Road 83 provides access to Mt St Helens campgrounds. There are dispersed sites along this road for camping, and the area provides access to Climber's Bivouac, Ape Cave, and Lava Canyon. Camping near Mt St Helens is open from Memorial Day until snow blocks the roads. Food, lodging, gas, and other services are available in nearby communities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
8. JJ Collins Marine Park
3 Reviews•7 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Firewood Available
9. Keenig Creek Campground
13 Reviews•75 Photos•228 SavesKeenig Creek Campground is located just off the Wilson River Highway, 18 miles east of Tillamook, Oregon. It is a rustic site, located above the Wilson River, adjacent to Keenig Creek. The campground has 12 walk-in tent sites, two day-use picnicking sites and a trailhead to access the Wilson River Trail, along with fishing and swimming. Each campsite offers a tent pad, picnic table and a fire grate.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
10. Elk Creek Campground
8 Reviews•70 Photos•50 SavesAll walk-in tent sites. Elk Creek campground is popular with families and is easily reached from Highway 6. Tillamook State Forest campgrounds offer moderately-sized, rustic sites shaded by Douglas-fir forest. Individual campsites are well-screened and include a parking area, a fire grate with cooking grill, and a tent pad. While there are no RV hook-ups, many sites are suitable for travel trailers or small RVs. Some campgrounds have walk-in tent sites a bit farther from the road.
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Kelso
846 Reviews of 36 Kelso Campgrounds
- MMicah G.
Scout
Bayport RV Park and Campground
Threatening and know it all owner
I was contacted by the company who owns this site. Automatically the individual had threatening words to me as in, you need to go buy a tent now. We have the right to remove you from premises right now. Terrible customer service, and after spending money for the service they provide. They will just take away everything from you and kick you off the princess. The owner also likes to redefine what objects and vehicles are. Also, like to redefine vocabulary words. I would stay away from this place due to helter-kelter atmosphere.
RobertScout
Silver Lake Resort
Wonderful family getaway
The campground is easy to get to and thanks to the staff has a lot of unique amenities like you can fish in Silver Lake from your motel room or rent a variety of boats for the day.
Israel S.
Traveler
Oldman Pass Sno-Park
Nice camping spot
Nice area to camp at, vault bathroom close by but there was no toilet paper so bring your own. Does feel like camping in a Parking lot. Trail close by.
Kevin W.
Guide
Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite
FR 81/Bivoiac Dispered Campsight
Right off forest road 81. Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in. 2 fire pits and a few walking trails. Solar friendly and level. No bathroom. 1-2 bars with Verizon.
LaryScoutSilver Lake Resort
Where beautiful scenery awaits you
Easy to get to. Just 1 mile from the Mount St Helens visitor center. Right on Silver Lake with a perfect view of Mount St Helens. The place was clean and quiet. Employees were helpful and courteous. Lots of ways to stay. Motel rooms, cabins, RV and tent spaces.
- MMayre J.Guide
Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
Not ideal spot and challenging road
Diamond Milld rd is a tight logging rd with a kinda steep danger zone cliff on this edge. If you get to spot (the coordinates on dyrt arent exact but close) you will see basically the only part of the rd with a pull aside areai prob for two vans or cars. Its a nice view but kinda creepy if alone IMO. The dispersed camping for this St Forest applies to tenters mainly being 1 mile away from a paid campground. But for just car and van camp youd have to chance it at day area or drive way in to the forest down a rd.
James G.Scout
Paradise Point State Park
Nice campground, interstate noise
The campground itself is nice, but there's the near constant hum of interstate I-5 traffic less than a hundred yards away.
T S.Scout
Kampers West RV Park
Management Was Very Particular - Borderline Discriminatory Behavior
We were treated in a discriminatory manner by the upper management. We felt extremely let down by how they behaved, since the main office worker, Jackie, had been very nice & professional.
Miranda, on the other hand,.. I do not recommend doing business with her. She looked down her nose at our RV, even though it is in great shape, only requiring a couple of easy updates that we had already explained how we were planning on dates to accomplish said updates.
Especially since, as you peruse the park, you see Multiple campers in violation of posted park rules, and much older & crummier looking RVs than we own, in much worse disrepair. Also, when Miranda called to deny us the spot, she began our phone call in a deceitful way, in fact lining me up to level the blow of rejection. Miranda is not kind at all, and treated my husband & I unfairly. We do Not recommend staying here.
- AAllison G.Scout
Perkins Creek Camp Ground
"Cabins" are glorified play houses and host is a nightmare
The "cabins" are essentially shed conversions on a flatbed and wheels that rock and sway. Not ada accessible. They have electricity but no insulation and the water reeks of sulfur. The loft style beds seem like they are for children.
The host Joann is money hungry and inflexible. Be sure to get travel insurance and read all rules and reviews on other platforms prior to stay to be well informed of issues and not be blindsided by uncharges here. She will enter your space as she sees fit. There are no boundaries for her but tons for guests with rule signage plastered everywhere on the grounds.
Campground is covered in rabbit feces, so parents with small children beware. I would never stay here again. For the headache of dealing with the host alone it made the entire experience one of an utterly uncomfortable inconvenience.
This place looks nice from an outside view but staying here is an entirely different story.
Also the fact that a Joanna left a 5 star reviews here when all other platforms have complaints is a bit questionable.
- KKris M.Scout
Thousand Trails Chehalis
Awesome stay
Extended our stay because there was so much to do for the kiddos. Staff here are amazing and fellow campers a delight.
- Derrell M.Scout
Kosmos Recreation Area (Tacoma Public Utilities)
Big open area next to lake with Port-o-Potties
Been here many times. Sometimes strange folks show up but they almost always keep to themselves.
Great place to spend some time next to a lake.14 day limit in 30 days.
B K.Scout
Iron Creek Campground
Beautiful and private
Beautiful and private campground, we'll be back for sure. Honey hole type toilets and lots of water spigots around. We didn't hike but there seemed to be lots of hiking trails, plus the beautiful river! Despite there being a total burn ban (propane stoves only) there were SEVERAL fires happening all weekend which was disappointing.
Most sites are really private which we loved. We walked through the three loops that were open and made note of the sites that looked most private/flat-ish for a tent/good location. In our opinion these were the best sites we could see: Loop B 24, 52, 47, 44, 39, 38, 36, 31. Loop C 56, 57, 60, 69. Loop D 78, 80, 84 (this one seemed to have an awesome trail leading right down the river!). No cell service so plan accordingly!
Matthew Y.Scout
Snag Lake Campground
Terrible campground
I pulled up and it looked abandoned and unsafe—something from a horror movie. The bathroom literally had trash dumped out in front and the some of the campsites were unkept. It's trek to get back there for such disappointment. Left as soon as I could, ended up sleeping at a rest area.
- Kevin W.Guide
Riffe Lake Campground
Riffe Lake RV/Tent Camping
They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.
- AAnsley P.Traveler
Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
Unreal Experience
Tillamook Forest has so many amazing dispersed camping opportunities! We turned onto Ben Smith road and then took logging trails up the peaks. We found a perfect spot that looked like we were on the edge of a cliff but was actually still very safe for our toddler. No cell service, so we just unplugged for 3 nights and enjoyed the time together. We could see the northern lights the first night we were there, and it was absolutely incredible. We had a lot of privacy. One hunter walked by, I assume he was using the nearby trail. We heard some ATVs over the days, but it wasn't disruptive. Totally recommend it, and we'll definitely be back.
- LLevai H.Scout
Elk Creek Campground
Great chill spot
The campground itself was kept very clean and each site has basically zero trace left at it. There’s a creek and a few fun trails to explore as well
Jeffrey P.Guide
Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
Easy Get Away
A couple spots right off the road for car camping or small campers. There was an “official” camp sight more near the Dry Creek Trail (has a bathroom). We opted to walk south along the river to try and find a space. Ended up crossing the river where there are a couple more hidden spots. We found out later that there is a trail right before you cross Trapper Creek that leads you to the spot we were at. There were a few people out and you can sometimes hear cars but overall it was an easy stay with some nice views. The river drowns out most the noise. Would definitely come back here
- EEric P.
Ranger
Lower Falls Campground
Amazing campground at the falls
Spent one day and night at lower falls campground. The sites are all nice. There are miles of trails close by and the hike to middle and upper falls is great. I was surprised how many open sites the there were after arriving. Very quiet with the sound of the falls in the background. Just an awesome place will return again. No cell service. Bring your own water. Lots of chipmunks so tote up your food when done. About an hour and 20 minutes north of Carson. The last 5 miles of road to the campground is a mess so be aware . (Hwy 90)
Jack J.ScoutLower Falls Campground
amazing campground!!!
this is my #1 fave campground but mostly I'm leaving a review to address the guy's comment below: the NW forest pass isn't the correct pass for this area. you have to make a parking reservation online through recreation.gov, just search for " Lewis River Recreation Area Tickets" or "Lower Falls." just would hate to see someone not be able to enjoy this beautiful area because they read some guy's incorrect rant! :)
- Kevin W.Guide
McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.
I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :). I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem. Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide). I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out. It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers. If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents. The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food. There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly. The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private. There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.
Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."
- RRoger S.Scout
Scappoose RV Park
New Host at Park, the Park has been cleaned up including restrooms and show
I am the new Park Host at Scappoose RV Park, I have been here for 5 months. I have put allot of time in making the park a safe and clean place for families. Please come take a looked, I have gotten so many compliments on how good the park looks again!
Mary S.Traveler
Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed
Nice view, bumpy drive!
This spot was great for a night! Super quiet. There was some trash around the site and the road, so I picked up as much as I could. The view was misted over but beautiful anyway- however, in my little Nissan Versa, I struggled on the roads up and down. I eventually kept it around 5-10mph to avoid damaging my car, but I got there just fine and had no issues at the campsite. I've got T-Mobile and had full bars.
Michelle L.Scout
Sunset Falls Campground
A new favorite close to home
Great small campground with easy access to falls. We enjoyed 2 nights. No phone reception, no loud noises, super peaceful.
Candace B.ScoutSilver Lake Resort
The new owners are the worst
Horrible customer service. The owners treat their employees and customers horribly. Not not go here. instead go to silver cove or Streeter's which are also located on silver lake
Sam S.Guide
Base Camp Mt St Helen’s
Base camp at Mt St Helens
You can camp at a beautiful campsite in Mt St Helen’s close to the science learning center.
Steve M.Ranger
Clatskanie City Park
Clatskanie Holistic Farm Hipcamp
Amazing! Outstanding! Beautiful Hillside former equestrian farm where you can buy organic cage-free eggs laid the day before along with milk taken straight from the cow that morning! If you enjoy watching sheep eat and playing with a goat and watching Ducks wander around and lots of stuff to look at and hiking and learning about farming and animal husbandry, this place is for you!
- BBobby S.Scout
An Oasis in Nature
Average but works
Overall, an average place to stay and get your surroundings. Nice, quiet people that offer everything you need.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kelso, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kelso, WA is Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kelso, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Kelso, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.