Camp Kalama RV Park

For Washington State residents and visitors looking for an accessible and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Camp Kalama RV Park presents a unique blend of convenience and natural beauty. Located directly on the banks of the scenic Kalama River in Cowlitz County, this park is a popular destination for both short-term travelers passing along the I-5 corridor and families seeking a dedicated base camp for fishing and regional exploration. It is one of the largest campgrounds on the Kalama River, providing a variety of camping options, from large, full-hookup RV sites to dedicated tent-only spots.

The primary draw of Camp Kalama is its direct river access and reputation for being situated near some of the best fishing holes in Southwest Washington. Guests are often drawn by the promise of fishing for salmon and steelhead right on the property. Beyond the river, the park is designed to be family-friendly and accommodating to all travelers, featuring amenities such as a dedicated playground for children and pet-friendly policies (dogs allowed).

However, potential visitors should be aware that the park, particularly under new ownership, has received mixed reviews concerning maintenance and operational consistency. While the natural setting, river access, and the efforts of certain staff members—such as "Mr. Bruce," mentioned in a review—are frequently praised, other feedback points to facilities that could be considered "run down," including bathrooms with cleanliness issues and operational inconsistency with services like the on-site store. The owners' focus has been described in some customer comments as being more centered on raising prices than on immediate capital improvements. Despite these reported challenges, the park’s potential for being an excellent fishing and family getaway is consistently recognized by long-term patrons and first-time guests alike.

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Camp Kalama RV Park boasts a highly convenient location in Kalama, Washington, making it an ideal stopover or base camp for exploring the Southwest Washington area, including the nearby Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

The official address is:

5055 Meeker Dr, Kalama, WA 98625, USA

The key locational advantages include:

• Easy I-5 Access: The park is situated right off Interstate 5 (I-5), ensuring straightforward entry and exit for RVs and large vehicles traveling the West Coast. This is particularly appealing for those seeking a quick, hassle-free stop.
• Kalama River Frontage: The entire property sits along the banks of the Kalama River, providing immediate access to the water for recreational activities.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: The park is just a short drive—less than 10 minutes—from the Columbia River waterfront, including the popular McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. It is also well-positioned for access to local golf courses and the vast hiking opportunities around Mount St. Helens.
• On-site Parking: Ample on-site parking is provided for guests, accommodating both the RV units and towed vehicles.
• Accessibility Features: The park is committed to accessibility, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot to assist all visitors.

Its placement offers a beautiful, natural environment without sacrificing the necessary connection to the main highway system and local town amenities.

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Camp Kalama RV Park offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable and self-sufficient stay for RVers and traditional campers.

Key services and offerings include:

• Full RV Hookups: Sites are available with all necessary utility connections, including RV electric hookup (30 and 50 amp service available), RV sewer hookup, and RV water hookup.
• Onsite General Store: A convenience store is generally available for purchasing firewood, basic supplies, and other necessities, though guests have noted inconsistent staffing/opening hours.
• Onsite Services/Facilities: The park features communal facilities for essential needs, including clean shower facilities and a laundry room.
• River Access and Boat Launch: A major service highlight is the on-property boat launch and direct access to the Kalama River, making it simple to get your watercraft out for boating or to reach prime fishing spots.
• Payment Flexibility: The park accepts various methods of payment for the Camping fee, including Credit cards and Debit cards, for convenience.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available for those in need of a proper wastewater disposal location.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each site typically includes a picnic table, and fire rings are generally available for that essential camping atmosphere.

The park aims to provide a full-service experience that caters to both the practical needs of RV travel and the recreational desires of a traditional camping trip.

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Camp Kalama RV Park distinguishes itself through several compelling features, particularly its connection to the natural environment and its family-friendly facilities.

• Premier Kalama River Fishing: The park is known for its access to the Kalama River, a world-class spot for catching salmon and steelhead. Guests often consider the on-site boat launch and proximity to “fishing holes” a huge benefit.
• Versatile Camping Options: With a combination of large RV sites, pull-thru spaces, and separate tent-only sites, the park accommodates a wide variety of camping styles and vehicle sizes, including big rigs.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A dedicated Playground is provided for children, making it an excellent destination for families traveling with grandchildren, as noted in resident feedback.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The park is accommodating to travelers with pets, explicitly welcoming Dogs allowed within the grounds.
• Natural and Scenic Setting: Despite being close to the freeway, the campground is set amid trees and along the river, providing a beautiful natural backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Some sites offer prized River View spaces.
• Former Onsite Bar and Restaurant: While service is noted as potentially limited or closed, the infrastructure for social amenities, including a former bar/café, exists, pointing to the park’s focus on providing social and dining options for guests.

These features emphasize a strong focus on outdoor recreation and a welcoming environment for the entire family.

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Choosing Camp Kalama RV Park is primarily about capitalizing on the unmatched river access for fishing and boating in the Kalama area of Washington. For the dedicated fisherman or the family that prioritizes river-based recreation, the park’s location on the banks of the Kalama River is its undeniable strongest point. The convenience of having a boat launch right on the property, along with the reputation for excellent salmon and steelhead fishing, makes it a rare and valuable asset in the region.

Beyond the fishing, its value proposition is the balance it strikes between outdoor seclusion and infrastructural convenience. You are afforded a peaceful, scenic environment with plenty of trees and river views, yet you are literally minutes from the I-5 freeway and major town amenities. This accessibility is a huge benefit for travelers and those who want to use the park as a jump-off point for exploring the greater Southwest Washington area, including Mount St. Helens. The provision of full hookups (30/50 amp) and family features like the playground solidify its place as a practical, easy-to-use campground.

It is important to enter the experience with realistic expectations regarding the condition of certain facilities, such as the bathrooms, and the potential for inconsistent service due to reported ownership changes. However, if your top priority is a strategic location with direct, high-quality river access for a memorable outdoor adventure, and you appreciate the welcoming efforts of the on-site staff who strive to accommodate guests, Camp Kalama RV Park is a choice destination that offers a solid, amenity-rich base for your Washington camping experience.

Camp Kalama RV Park

5055 Meeker Dr, Kalama, WA 98625, USA