Kalama Horse Camp Campground

For Washingtonians with a passion for horseback riding and exploring our state's diverse wilderness, Kalama Horse Camp Campground offers a unique and dedicated retreat. Nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just outside the western boundary of the iconic Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, this campground is specifically designed to cater to equestrian users, while also serving as a gateway for hikers to a vast network of trails. If you're a local seeking a genuine outdoor adventure where you can explore the recovering volcanic landscape and lush forests on horseback or on foot, Kalama Horse Camp provides an ideal and well-equipped base.

The campground is praised for its "very clean" restrooms and "easy" parking, indicating a well-maintained and convenient environment for arrivals. Fellow guests are noted as "very friendly," contributing to a welcoming community atmosphere. A unique highlight is the area's beauty "in the snow," making it an attractive destination even in colder months for those "in search of fun snow areas" without the usual crowds. This offers a different, serene perspective on the forest, showcasing the versatility of this Washington gem.

While one detailed review specifically addresses the Toutle Trail for hikers, noting its challenging "deep, soft sand" terrain and the unfortunate disappearance of McBride Lake (now a "sandy, dry hole"), it's important to remember that this feedback is "specific to the Toutle Trail, whose trailhead happens to be within the Kalama Horse camp." This means the general camping experience and access to other trails may differ. The core appeal of Kalama Horse Camp lies in its facilities for equestrians and its extensive trail system, offering over "50 miles of nearby trails and closed roads" for exploration, making it a truly specialized and valuable resource for Washington's outdoor community.

Kalama Horse Camp Campground is strategically located at NF-81, Cougar, WA 98616, USA. This places it just outside the west boundary of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, within the expansive Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Its position makes it an excellent staging area for exploring the fascinating volcanic landscape and the surrounding lush, recovering forests.

For Washington locals, accessing Kalama Horse Camp typically involves taking I-5 to Exit 21 (Woodland/Cougar), then heading east on State Route 503 (Lewis River Road) towards Cougar. From SR 503, you'll turn onto Forest Road 81 (also known as Road 8100 or the Kalama Recreation Area sign), which leads to the campground. Forest Road 81 is a paved road, making access relatively smooth for vehicles and trailers. The campground is open seasonally, generally from mid-May to late September, though this can vary based on snow conditions and maintenance. It's always advisable to check current conditions and road closures with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest or Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument before your trip.

The campground's location provides excellent accessibility to a network of trails and attractions. Being near the town of Cougar means basic supplies can be acquired, although it's always wise to arrive well-stocked for a forest camping experience. Its unique position offers an opportunity to observe the recovery of the landscape from the 1980 volcanic eruption, with "beautiful views of Mount St. Helens" from many of the trails. This makes it not just a camping trip, but an educational and awe-inspiring journey into a significant piece of Washington's natural history.

Kalama Horse Camp Campground is well-equipped to serve its primary users—equestrians—while also providing a comfortable experience for general campers:

• Campsites: Offers 27 sites in total. Sixteen reservable sites are specifically for equestrians with trailers only, and feature wood corrals (2-horse or 4-horse options) with varying pull-through or back-in driveway lengths (from 20 to 70 feet). There are also ten first-come, first-served, standard non-equestrian sites, and one host site.
• Clean Restrooms: The campground provides "very clean" restrooms, including vault and compost toilets.
• Water (Non-Potable): It's important to note there is "No potable water at this site. Water is suitable for horses only." Campers must bring their own drinking water.
• Horse Amenities: Includes horse corrals at equestrian sites, stock water troughs in the loops, and several horse manure bins throughout the camp.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire pit (though "No campfire allowed" may apply during certain restrictions, so always check current alerts).
• Day-Use Area: A trailhead parking area at the east end of the campground provides parking for day use, accommodating 8-10 trailers for riders or hikers just visiting for the day.
• Group Shelter: An enclosed group shelter with a wood stove is available, offering a communal space.
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites.
• No Garbage Service: "During the shoulder season, early spring and late fall, there is NO garbage service at this facility. Be prepared to pack out all garbage." This is a crucial "pack it in, pack it out" rule to follow.
• Certified Weed-Free Feed Required: A restriction for equestrians, ensuring no invasive species are introduced.

Kalama Horse Camp Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Washington locals, especially those with horses:

• Equestrian-Focused Amenities: Arguably "the nicest horse camp in southwest Washington," it's specifically designed for horses, with sturdy 2- or 4-horse corrals at most sites, stock water troughs, and manure bins. This caters directly to the needs of Washington's equestrian community.
• Extensive Trail Network: Provides "amazing trail access" to "over 50 miles of nearby trails and closed roads." These trails offer a range of difficulties, from "easy enough for green horses and riders" to "challenging because of their significant elevation gains/losses and steep drop-offs." Key trails include Toutle Trail #238, Cinnamon Trail #204, and Fossil Trail #242, offering diverse riding and hiking experiences through the volcanic landscape and old-growth forests.
• Clean Facilities: The "very clean" restrooms are a consistent positive, providing a comfortable and hygienic experience.
• Proximity to Mount St. Helens: Its location "just outside the west boundary of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument" offers incredible opportunities to "observe how the most recent eruption changed the area," with "panoramic views of Mt. St. Helens" from trails like the Cinnamon Trail.
• Unique Volcanic Landscape Exploration: Trails cross ancient and recent mud flows (lahars), offering fascinating geological insights. For instance, the Blue Lake Loop crosses a rocky lahar, and the Toutle Trail passes near McBride Lake (now largely silted in), allowing direct observation of the eruption's impact.
• Winter Snow Fun: The area is noted as "beautiful in the snow," providing a less crowded spot for winter recreation.
• Flexible Site Availability: Offers a mix of reservable equestrian sites and first-come, first-served standard sites, providing options for different planning styles.
• "Friendly Guests": The positive interactions with other campers contribute to a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
• Geologically Fascinating Trails: Beyond just views, the trails offer a chance to physically traverse and witness the remnants of volcanic activity, from lava fields to mudflows.

For more information, current conditions, or to make reservations for Kalama Horse Camp Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: NF-81, Cougar, WA 98616, USA

Phone: (661) 702-1420

Mobile Phone: +1 661-702-1420

It is highly recommended for Washington locals to contact the Gifford Pinchot National Forest directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Kalama Horse Camp Campground, especially concerning road conditions (as some forest roads can be affected by weather), fire restrictions, and the specific opening and closing dates for the season. While the phone number provided has a California (661) area code, it appears to be a central contact for the management company (ExplorUS) that operates several recreation sites. For direct local inquiries or detailed trail conditions, it may be beneficial to also contact the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters at (360) 449-7800 (press option 0 to reach the front desk) or the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District at (360) 497-1100. Reservations for equestrian sites can often be made through Recreation.gov. Always remember to check for the requirement of a Discover Pass or other relevant forest passes before your visit to avoid issues.

Kalama Horse Camp Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals, particularly those who embrace equestrian pursuits or rugged hiking adventures. Its unique positioning within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, right on the doorstep of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a landscape shaped by both natural forces and recent volcanic history. For Washingtonians, the dedicated facilities for horses, including corrals and manure bins, alongside the extensive network of over 50 miles of trails, make it a premier choice for multi-day excursions into the backcountry.

While campers must be prepared for rustic conditions, such as bringing their own potable water and packing out all garbage during shoulder seasons, the cleanliness of the restrooms and the friendly atmosphere contribute to a positive experience. The chance to witness the natural recovery from the 1980 eruption, combined with "beautiful views of Mount St. Helens" and the opportunity for quiet, uncrowded winter snow experiences, adds layers to its appeal. For those who seek an authentic, trail-focused adventure in a geologically fascinating and naturally stunning part of our state, Kalama Horse Camp Campground offers a rewarding escape into the heart of Washington's wild and beautiful outdoors.

Kalama Horse Camp Campground

NF-81, Cougar, WA 98616, USA