Best Campgrounds near St. Helens, OR

Camping near St. Helens, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore Mount Saint Helens: This area is perfect for hiking and learning about the volcanic history. Many campers appreciate the proximity to the Seaquest State Park Campground, which is a great launch point for exploring the mountain. One visitor said, "It is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration."
• Fishing and Water Activities: At Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A reviewer mentioned, "Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome."
• Hiking Trails: The L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground has numerous trails for hiking and biking. One camper noted, "Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails within the park."

What campers like:

• Privacy and Space: Campers at Seaquest State Park Campground enjoy the more private sites. A reviewer said, "If you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the loop that has 32 - 54. These were much more private."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the clean bathrooms and showers at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground."
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A review for Sunset Falls Campground highlighted, "Great small campground with easy access to falls."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Paradise Point State Park Campground, are close to busy roads. A camper mentioned, "That noise. It's not the river. It's I-5 which is right in your back yard."
• Site Size Limitations: If you're bringing an RV, check the site sizes. A visitor at Paradise Point State Park Campground warned, "We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store, may lack nearby stores or restaurants. A reviewer noted, "There is also nothing around here store or restaurant wise."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family programs. Seaquest State Park Campground offers a junior ranger program that kids enjoy. One parent shared, "Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Beaver Bay Campground mentioned, "Our spot was huge! Didn't have enough stuff or people to fill it up."
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Make sure to check the quiet hours to ensure a good night's sleep for everyone. A visitor at Oxbow Regional Park appreciated the "quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground noted, "We got a nice level one."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have narrow roads or tight turns. A visitor at Jantzen Beach RV Park warned, "You must get on the freeway to go anywhere and that is a pain with traffic."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack nearby stores, pack extra food and supplies. A camper at Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store mentioned, "There is also nothing around here store or restaurant wise."

Camping near St. Helens, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!