Silverlake, WA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Silverlake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Silverlake camping trip.
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.
Breathtaking views. Lakeside relaxation. World class fishing. Magical evenings around the bonfire with new friends. Friendly staff who treat you like family. Silver Lake Resort has it all. with a variety of accommodations to meet your needs. Our beautiful property is located on the shores of Silver Lake with stunning Mount St. Helens in the backdrop. Silver Lake has some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest — from one of our many rental boats. from our docks. or even from the balcony of your own room. Kids can play on the playground. feed the ducks by the waterfront, or catch fish with a rented fishing pole. Silver Lake Resort is the perfect lodging for visiting Mount St. Helens, fishing for large-mouth bass. or relaxing in the natural beauty all year 'round. Our rustic setting has been drawing vacationers looking for rest and relaxation for over 50 years.
$20 - $150 / night
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.
Children play in the shallow swim area under the watchful eyes of their picnicking parents, anglers float on the lake, hikers and campers take quiet strolls in the woods. On sunny weekends, laughter fills the playground, lakefront and kitchen areas. Whether you've come for a rest or a family play day, time spent at Battle Ground Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle your life once again.
PARK FEATURES The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking, horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is attractive to swimmers and paddlers and is stocked with trout, making it a favorite of anglers.
The park has 35 standard campsites, six partial-hookups sites, 15 primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, two primitive equestrian sites, four cabins, one RV dump station, two restrooms and four showers. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
Toutle River RV Resort is located in Castle Rock, WA at the apex of the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers and is one of the largest RV resorts in the Northwest. Our resort has the only private access to the confluence of the Toutle and Cowlitz River that offers access to the public (resort guests). The confluence of these two rivers is widely revered as one of the finest fishing holes in the state.
For The Explorer
Our resort is a fantastic base camp for the explorer, family vacation, or long-term guest. We offer 306 full hookup RV sites many offering 6,000 sq ft or more and up to 100 feet long. Masonry fire pits and BBQ's are located through out the park and all of our premium sites feature a fire pit, BBQ and park style picnic tables. These are truly beautiful sites. We offer the largest RV sites you are likely to find anywhere.
Other park amenities include our 20,000 square foot pavilion, pickle ball, pool, spa, disk golf, club house, store and much more (see attached list). We are located eight miles from the visitor center for Mt St Helens National Monument and hundreds of other activities on the resort grounds are very close. Both Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier are our neighbors and the Oregon Coast, Astoria, Long Beach, WA (the world's longest beach) Lewis & Clark National Park, and much more all less than two hours drive. The Tent Circle also has family style restrooms each with shower, ADA restroom and shower, volleyball court, multiple BBQ's, horse shoes, dishwashing station and more. All tent campers have full access to all resort facilities. This is a family vacation that is affordable and fun.
Other more intimate areas include Hot Dog Heaven and the Burger Hut. Both are covered areas for group BBQ's. These picnic shelters will accommodate groups up to 30 people. An additional shelter Camp Tales Movie Pavilion also features BBQ facilities and will accommodate groups up to 50 people. For groups from 20 to 3000 covered and we mean covered!
$10 - $33 / night
Welcome to Silver Cove RV Resort, where you can unwind in convenient accommodations, such as cabin rentals, or in the comfort of your own RV. Enjoy the rejuvenating Pacific Northwest with a variety of on-site amenities including a boat launch and serene lakefront views. Silver Cove also allows guests to easily access state parks and national monuments such as Mount St. Helens. Relax at our resort or explore the nearby destinations that are ideal for fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, and so much more. If you are looking for a memorable vacation experience in Southern Washington, look no further than Silver Cove!
$60 - $289 / night
Set in a quiet forest, in an old homestead, the park offers a convenient base for sightseeing, hiking and biking the Mt. St. Helens area. Kid Valley Campground is also located close to fishing opportunities at nearby lakes and the famous Toutle River.
Winter activities include hunting, crosscountry skiing, and snowmobiling in the nearby area, including the Toutle state forest, with 35,000 acres open to snowmobiling.
We are located adjacent to the Toutle River and a few miles from the Green River, both of which have recovered from the volcanic mudflows and offer great salmon and steelhead fishing. We are a short drive from fly-fishing at Coldwater Lake and bass and trout fishing in Silver Lake. Year around elk viewing is popular on the road to Mount St. Helens and hunting in the Winston, Toutle, Coweeman and Margaret units are nearby, too. Call for special hunting season rates.
$25 - $35 / 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.
Breathtaking views. Lakeside relaxation. World class fishing. Magical evenings around the bonfire with new friends. Friendly staff who treat you like family. Silver Lake Resort has it all. with a variety of accommodations to meet your needs. Our beautiful property is located on the shores of Silver Lake with stunning Mount St. Helens in the backdrop. Silver Lake has some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest — from one of our many rental boats. from our docks. or even from the balcony of your own room. Kids can play on the playground. feed the ducks by the waterfront, or catch fish with a rented fishing pole. Silver Lake Resort is the perfect lodging for visiting Mount St. Helens, fishing for large-mouth bass. or relaxing in the natural beauty all year 'round. Our rustic setting has been drawing vacationers looking for rest and relaxation for over 50 years.
$20 - $150 / night
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.
Children play in the shallow swim area under the watchful eyes of their picnicking parents, anglers float on the lake, hikers and campers take quiet strolls in the woods. On sunny weekends, laughter fills the playground, lakefront and kitchen areas. Whether you've come for a rest or a family play day, time spent at Battle Ground Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle your life once again.
PARK FEATURES The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking, horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is attractive to swimmers and paddlers and is stocked with trout, making it a favorite of anglers.
The park has 35 standard campsites, six partial-hookups sites, 15 primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, two primitive equestrian sites, four cabins, one RV dump station, two restrooms and four showers. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
Toutle River RV Resort is located in Castle Rock, WA at the apex of the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers and is one of the largest RV resorts in the Northwest. Our resort has the only private access to the confluence of the Toutle and Cowlitz River that offers access to the public (resort guests). The confluence of these two rivers is widely revered as one of the finest fishing holes in the state.
For The Explorer
Our resort is a fantastic base camp for the explorer, family vacation, or long-term guest. We offer 306 full hookup RV sites many offering 6,000 sq ft or more and up to 100 feet long. Masonry fire pits and BBQ's are located through out the park and all of our premium sites feature a fire pit, BBQ and park style picnic tables. These are truly beautiful sites. We offer the largest RV sites you are likely to find anywhere.
Other park amenities include our 20,000 square foot pavilion, pickle ball, pool, spa, disk golf, club house, store and much more (see attached list). We are located eight miles from the visitor center for Mt St Helens National Monument and hundreds of other activities on the resort grounds are very close. Both Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier are our neighbors and the Oregon Coast, Astoria, Long Beach, WA (the world's longest beach) Lewis & Clark National Park, and much more all less than two hours drive. The Tent Circle also has family style restrooms each with shower, ADA restroom and shower, volleyball court, multiple BBQ's, horse shoes, dishwashing station and more. All tent campers have full access to all resort facilities. This is a family vacation that is affordable and fun.
Other more intimate areas include Hot Dog Heaven and the Burger Hut. Both are covered areas for group BBQ's. These picnic shelters will accommodate groups up to 30 people. An additional shelter Camp Tales Movie Pavilion also features BBQ facilities and will accommodate groups up to 50 people. For groups from 20 to 3000 covered and we mean covered!
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.
Legend
I had researched this park quite awhile beforehand and was interested based on the reviews posted here. It looked pretty nice. Unfortunately when we were able to preview it by driving through I was surprised to find out it was not at all what I had seen in reviews. This place is on the edge of a small town and it looks like it is occupied by long term tenants with a lot of paraphernalia and personal belongings strewn about. For us, traveling for vacation and sightseeing it would not be a place we'd wanna stay. We did have dinner and really enjoyed it in the little town of Vernonia where it is located and that was great. The park is also adjacent to a fantastic walking biking trail and it's next to a city park.
Scout
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.
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
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.
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!
Scout
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.
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.
Guide
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
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)
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
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!
Scout
Relative to other options in Northwest Oregon this was an easy to find, plenty of space place to park the car. My partner and I angled our vehicle to block our tent from the road and slept like rocks.
Not scenic (though the waterfall that is a short hike away is). My only safety concern is someone taking the corner too fast running into your car.
Traveler
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.
Camping near Silverlake, 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, this area has something for you.
Camping near Silverlake, Washington, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Silverlake, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Silverlake, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near Silverlake, WA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Silverlake, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Silverlake, WA is Seaquest State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Silverlake, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Silverlake, WA.
What parks are near Silverlake, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Silverlake, WA that allow camping, notably Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Tillamook State Forest.
