Onalaska is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Onalaska, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Far in the Northwestern corner of the United States lies a world of magic, splendor, and mystical beauty. Perched atop the historical Mount St. Helens, Seaquest State Park is the home-base for thousands of volcanic visitors year round. Most notable for its proximity to the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center, this park is the home base for hikers, explorers, tourists, and adventures alike. It’s not just the volcanic aftermath that makes this area so special. Even before the eruption, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest has always been known for its dense foliage, as well as its beautiful lakes, tributaries, and waterfalls.
When it comes to nearby attractions, the area is packed with them. Miles and miles of trails fork and wind throughout the park. Beyond the confines of the park’s boundaries are numerous additional trailheads, all offering something unique to those seeking it. Perhaps the most popular trail nearby is the Monitor Ridge trail. This 10 miles round trip excursion will have you climbing 2,000 vertical ft. through grassy meadows and winding forest paths. The last 1,000 feet are especially difficult due to the volcanic debris and soot that cakes your clothes. However when you finally reach the domed summit, you’ll be pleased with your efforts. Massive and expansive, the St. Helens dome is unlike any other scenic viewpoint in the US. Nowhere else can you see the true force and impact of Mother Nature’s wrath.
Nearby, the Mount St. Helens Ape Caves give visitors a chance to traverse through the labyrinth of volcanic caves left behind by magma runs during the the eruption. Today, the caves are a popular attraction for families and explorers. There’s two separate options, one which is well-lit and suited for families. The other option will send you through a pitch black adventure trekking the depths of the craggy, drippy tunnels. If planning to visit, be sure to bring a strong flashlight or kerosene lantern, as you’ll be unable to enter otherwise.
Camping in Seaquest State Park is relatively painless thanks to the 52 standard campsites, 18 partial-hookup sites, and 15 full-service sites. RVers, tent campers, van travelers, and anyone else with a form of shelter should have no issues finding somewhere to stay here. Aside from standard camping accommodations, there are also full-service Yurts available for rental, complete with heaters to stay warm if you’re visiting in the chilly months.
Elkamp Eastcreek allows visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Located near the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking and wildlife watching. The campsites are nestled among the trees and offer plenty of privacy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat whether that be in a tent or more luxurious cabin. Elkamp Eastcreek also features modern amenities, including clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
$25 - $40 / night
Millersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter.
Conveniently located between Olympia and Centralia, this large, well-visited park beckons to adults and children alike.
Many of the park structures, including the kitchen shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, making the park a great place to see and admire the hallmark artisanship of that era.
With two swimming beaches, miles of forested hiking and biking trails, watercraft launches, non-motorized watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) and abundant fishing, Millersylvania will keep you busy for a satisfying weekend or an extended outdoor vacation.
$12 - $45 / night
The original Thousand Trails preserve, Chehalis RV Camping has spectacular views of Mount Rainier from one side and Mount St Helens from the other side. A 300-acre Puget Sound RV campground , the preserve offers private campsites amid a forest of maple, alder, and Douglas fir trees. Come visit Chehalis RV Camping where the umbrella of trees line the roadways to your camping sites, and lush green ferns will take your breath away. This Puget Sound RV campground is the ultimate in camping experiences: lots of amenities, beautiful hiking trails, and local area attractions that will certainly keep you entertained. Spectacular views of Mt Rainier from a Puget Sound RV campground Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Chehalis RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
$12 - $45 / night
Tacoma Power’s Mossyrock Campground is a family-friendly getaway with access to Riffe Lake (formed by Mossyrock Dam) in Lewis County, Washington.
We built a new boat launch in 2018 due to changes to Riffe Lake levels. We also built a new swim area with an access trail and ADA-accessible parking. It is located near the boat launch.
$30 - $40 / night
Cougar Rock Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Individual campsites are reservable on this page. Group campsite reservations can be made via Cougar Rock Group Campground. Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain-the highest in the state and Cascade range. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a massive glacier-clad volcano, peaking at 14,411 ft. and dominating the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays bloom through July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, rock climbing and camping.Cougar Rock campground is located at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. Weather throughout the park can be variable, so visitors should come prepared.
From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous and beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held.
Cougar Rock Campground has one lookout point from which campers can view Mt. Rainier. Although it is peaceful now, the still active volcano last erupted in the mid 1800s. The campground is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is surrounded by thick forests. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers.
Mount Rainier National Park is about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
If a camper does not check-in at the ranger station by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee.
$20 / night
Far in the Northwestern corner of the United States lies a world of magic, splendor, and mystical beauty. Perched atop the historical Mount St. Helens, Seaquest State Park is the home-base for thousands of volcanic visitors year round. Most notable for its proximity to the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center, this park is the home base for hikers, explorers, tourists, and adventures alike. It’s not just the volcanic aftermath that makes this area so special. Even before the eruption, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest has always been known for its dense foliage, as well as its beautiful lakes, tributaries, and waterfalls.
When it comes to nearby attractions, the area is packed with them. Miles and miles of trails fork and wind throughout the park. Beyond the confines of the park’s boundaries are numerous additional trailheads, all offering something unique to those seeking it. Perhaps the most popular trail nearby is the Monitor Ridge trail. This 10 miles round trip excursion will have you climbing 2,000 vertical ft. through grassy meadows and winding forest paths. The last 1,000 feet are especially difficult due to the volcanic debris and soot that cakes your clothes. However when you finally reach the domed summit, you’ll be pleased with your efforts. Massive and expansive, the St. Helens dome is unlike any other scenic viewpoint in the US. Nowhere else can you see the true force and impact of Mother Nature’s wrath.
Nearby, the Mount St. Helens Ape Caves give visitors a chance to traverse through the labyrinth of volcanic caves left behind by magma runs during the the eruption. Today, the caves are a popular attraction for families and explorers. There’s two separate options, one which is well-lit and suited for families. The other option will send you through a pitch black adventure trekking the depths of the craggy, drippy tunnels. If planning to visit, be sure to bring a strong flashlight or kerosene lantern, as you’ll be unable to enter otherwise.
Camping in Seaquest State Park is relatively painless thanks to the 52 standard campsites, 18 partial-hookup sites, and 15 full-service sites. RVers, tent campers, van travelers, and anyone else with a form of shelter should have no issues finding somewhere to stay here. Aside from standard camping accommodations, there are also full-service Yurts available for rental, complete with heaters to stay warm if you’re visiting in the chilly months.
Elkamp Eastcreek allows visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Located near the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking and wildlife watching. The campsites are nestled among the trees and offer plenty of privacy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat whether that be in a tent or more luxurious cabin. Elkamp Eastcreek also features modern amenities, including clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
$25 - $40 / night
Millersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter.
Conveniently located between Olympia and Centralia, this large, well-visited park beckons to adults and children alike.
Many of the park structures, including the kitchen shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, making the park a great place to see and admire the hallmark artisanship of that era.
With two swimming beaches, miles of forested hiking and biking trails, watercraft launches, non-motorized watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) and abundant fishing, Millersylvania will keep you busy for a satisfying weekend or an extended outdoor vacation.
$12 - $45 / night
The original Thousand Trails preserve, Chehalis RV Camping has spectacular views of Mount Rainier from one side and Mount St Helens from the other side. A 300-acre Puget Sound RV campground , the preserve offers private campsites amid a forest of maple, alder, and Douglas fir trees. Come visit Chehalis RV Camping where the umbrella of trees line the roadways to your camping sites, and lush green ferns will take your breath away. This Puget Sound RV campground is the ultimate in camping experiences: lots of amenities, beautiful hiking trails, and local area attractions that will certainly keep you entertained. Spectacular views of Mt Rainier from a Puget Sound RV campground Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Chehalis RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Scout
It was great to go in the Fall as the summer rush is over, but there was still good weather. Place was clean and the staff was polite and helpful with our last minute reservation.
Scout
Scammers and scumbags. I purchased a cabin here. When it came time to move in I discovered the fridge/freezer had gone out and rotten meat had festered there for weeks or months. It was completely uninhabitable. I spoke to the seller who was willing to void the transaction, but the sleazy salespeople at Camper Hideaway refused to give up their$8,000 commission. I'm talking to the Vancouver Free Legal Clinic to see if I can get my money back. Tread with caution.
ScoutThe 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.
Traveler
Close to lots of hikes and views. A little bit of road noise but not much. Very busy but that’s to be expected at mt rainier. Clean bathrooms and easy check in.
Guide
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.
Guide
You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so.
This was a nice spot to stay the night, clean, nice picnic tables and fire pits, one pit toilet.
ScoutEasy 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.
Scout
The campground itself is nice, but there's the near constant hum of interstate I-5 traffic less than a hundred yards away.
Scout
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.
Traveler
Discover pass required. Host on site. Paved pads. Some pull thru.
Legend
This place is just off the interstate a couple minutes but you feel like you're out in the country. Hostess very accommodating. Riverfrontage is delightful. No hookups you must be self-contained. I have three bars of 5G Verizon. Owners very easy going. Allowed us to park on the grass just about anywhere we wanted to set up. Great views.
Guide
Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.
Scout
Extended our stay because there was so much to do for the kiddos. Staff here are amazing and fellow campers a delight.
Scout
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.
Scout
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!
Traveler
Travel Inn RV Resort offers a welcoming and convenient option for travelers seeking a comfortable stay. Located in a serene environment, this resort provides essential amenities such as full hookups, clean restrooms, and recreational facilities. Whether you're looking for a short getaway or an extended stay, Travel Inn RV Resort ensures a pleasant experience with its friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. For those planning a trip and needing to sort out documentation like an NBI clearance, it's essential to schedule an NBI online appointment for renewal for clearance in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. By doing so, travelers can focus on enjoying their stay at the resort, knowing their paperwork is in order.
Guide
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.
Traveler
Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again.
Scout
I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.
Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)
ScoutWe found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit. Unreal spot about 10-15 drive to the entrance of the park. Paved road all the way.
Ranger
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)
ScoutIt was a pretty good stay, it was easy to find a spot. We just pulled over and set up a tent. A little buggy and it’s not a super special spot to camp but it was a nice stay.
Scout
easy trip close to road and water overall fun time
Traveler
It’s a great, fairly secluded spot, large sites, beautiful to be in. Don’t forget to reserve your site in advance and get your Discover Pass!
Scoutthis 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! :)
Guide
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."
Scout
A lot of space, it’s near the road but there is almost no traffic in the evening. Quite a lot of mosquitoes but nice for a short stay
Camping near Onalaska, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to explore, there are several great campgrounds to check out.
Camping around Onalaska, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Make sure to check out the local campgrounds for a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Onalaska, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Onalaska, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Onalaska, WA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Onalaska, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Onalaska, WA is Seaquest State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Onalaska, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Onalaska, WA.
What parks are near Onalaska, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Onalaska, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
