How much does camping cost at Kalama Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Kalama Horse Camp range from $23/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kalama Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Kalama Horse Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kalama Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Kalama Horse Camp has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kalama Horse Camp?

Kalama Horse Camp is open May 23, 2025, - September 28, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kalama Horse Camp?

Kalama Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Kalama Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Kalama Horse Camp: Campfires allowed; campfire rings available at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Kalama Horse Camp have?

Kalama Horse Camp has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kalama Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kalama Horse Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Kalama Horse Camp?

Kalama Horse Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kalama Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Kalama Horse Camp include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kalama Horse Camp

4.70

95 reviews

46° 8'33.15"N, 122°19'36.71"W

Featured in:Group Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

2,073 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Reservable between M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

2,073 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Reservable between M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Kalama Horse Camp

$23.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates are $23.00 per night during Peak Season and First-Come-First-Served Season. Extra Vehicle Fee is $8.00 per night. Firewood is...

Standard Site Fee$23.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

360-449-7800

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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 95 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, users have a positive perception of Kalama Horse Camp. Highlights include its suitability for equestrian users, clean facilities, and well-maintained trails. The helpfulness and friendliness of the camp host, often referred to as Jenny, are frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46° 8'33.15"N, 122°19'36.71"W

Kalama Horse Camp

46° 8'33.15"N, 122°19'36.71"W

Driving directionsFrom Portland, OR take I-5 north to Woodland, WA. Take Exit 21 for WA-503 E toward Woodland/Cougar. Follow WA-503 East; turn left onto Forest Road 81, following signs for Kalama Recreation Area. Travel 8 miles north; turn right and continue following signs for Forest Road 81. Campground is on the right.

The paved road (Forest Road 81) provides access to the campground; however, user reviews mention that it is uphill and has dips requiring caution. Review by Pacific Avril states 'lots of dips' and suggests driving at 20mph to avoid rough sections.

Best Time to Camp at Kalama Horse Camp

May through September brings the best conditions, with dry trails and daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F. Nights cool to the 40s and 50s. Early season can see dramatic shifts between misty mornings and clear afternoons. Summer delivers the most reliable weather for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Winter brings snow that limits access and trail use.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in US

Peak season (May–Sept); trails most accessible and campsites in high demand during summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025, - September 28, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable between May 23, 2025, and September 28, 2025. First-come-first-served from June 20, 2025, to June 21, 2025.

About Kalama Horse Camp

Kalama Horse Camp sits in Gifford Pinchot National Forest along the western edge of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument at 2,073 feet elevation. The campground has 27 sites designed primarily for equestrian camping, with corrals varying in size: outside loop sites include 4 pens, inside sites have 2. Sites cost $23 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. Cell service is unavailable.

Kalama Horse Camp is primarily an equestrian-focused facility with additional accommodations for tents and RVs. Group camping options are also available, with some sites designed to host larger parties.

Weather and SeasonsMay through September brings the best conditions, with dry trails and daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F. Nights cool to the 40s and 50s. Early season can see dramatic shifts between misty mornings and clear afternoons. Summer delivers the most reliable weather for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Winter brings snow that limits access and trail use.

ElevationCampground elevation not specified.

Natural Features and SceneryThe camp sits where volcanic rebirth meets old-growth forest. Douglas firs and new vegetation emerging from volcanic soil create a landscape shaped by the 1980 eruption. Trails wind through evergreen forest and open onto views of Mount St. Helens' transformed terrain. One visitor described it simply: "Awesome views, riding & hiking." The volcanic soil and recovering ecosystem make this area a visible study in ecological succession.

Geological RegionPositioned strategically along the western boundary of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Kalama Horse Camp offers front-row seats to one of nature's most powerful geological stories. Here, within the embrace of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, visitors witness the fascinating interplay between volcanic rebirth and ancient forest ecosystems. The landscape tells a tale of destruction and renewal, where new growth emerges from volcanic soils, creating a living laboratory of ecological succession that captivates both scientists and casual observers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in: 2 PM

Check-out

Check-out: 12 PM (noon)

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Groups

Details about group sites are minimal, though it is noted that larger parties can be accommodated. 'Group Facility' cancellation policies suggest these options are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground splits into two loops. Loop A is newer with mostly pull-through sites. Loop B is older with a mix of walk-in and horse sites. Sites are large and well-spaced. One camper noted "plenty of room between sites for privacy." Terrain is rocky, which matters more for horses than campers. The camp host, often Jenny, maintains the grounds and helps with site questions.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, contact center, or mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served sites available during non-peak season and specific dates in peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit first night’s use fee. No-shows are assessed a $20.00 fee and forfeit first night’s rate.

AccessibilityAccessibility features such as designated accessible spaces or ADA-compliant facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeSites are large and can accommodate both standard and equestrian camping setups. Some sites have corrals that vary in size: 'The sites on the outside of the loops have 4 pens, inside have 2 pens.

PrivacyThe campground offers a fair amount of privacy. Reviewers highlight that 'there is plenty of room between sites for privacy.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesOutside loops have four pens, inside loops have two pens (Michelle Murphy). Loop B considered 'LQ friendly' (Deb H).

Need help booking Kalama Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Kalama Horse Camp provides a range of activities, particularly tailored for equestrian users and outdoor enthusiasts. Key recreational options include horseback riding, hiking, and biking trails that vary in difficulty levels. Interpretive sites and well-maintained trails add to the recreational offering.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rocky trails (Amy Lu mentions 'far too rocky to consider a beginner trail') and dips in the road to the campground as noted by Pacific Avril. Other hazards like bees near water troughs are noted by Kimberly S.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; campfire rings available at each site.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, and manure pits are available for equestrian users. 'Each loop has a couple manure pits and wheel barrows' for convenient waste handling.

Water FeaturesTrails by river and waterfalls noted by Pacific Avril.

Camp HostHosts frequently praised in user reviews for friendliness and helpfulness. Jenny specifically mentioned as excellent (e.g., 'Jenny couldn’t have been sweeter and more helpful' - Tiffany H).

Weather at Kalama Horse Camp

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

95 reviews

Top-Rated

Kalama Horse Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users have a positive perception of Kalama Horse Camp. Highlights include its suitability for equestrian users, clean facilities, and well-maintained trails. The helpfulness and friendliness of the camp host, often referred to as Jenny, are frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 95 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the cleanliness of the camp, the well-maintained and marked trails, and the spacious sites designed for equestrian use. Many users highlight the excellent service provided by the...

Based on 95 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users express concerns about the rocky terrain on certain trails, which can be challenging for barefoot horses. The lack of cell service and occasional road conditions leading to the campground...

Based on 95 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest preparing adequately for the rocky trails to ensure horses are well-shod or booted. It's recommended to bring a method to transport water around the campsite. For reservations, early...

Based on 95 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with trails being more accessible and reserved campsites being in high demand. Some reviewers noted fewer campers during non-holiday weekends, making it quieter.

Based on 95 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Trails are numerous, plenty for a week of riding. Some easy some harder.' - 'Pit toilets were very clean, hosts were friendly and helpful.' - 'The camp host gets 10 stars, she was great!' -...

Based on 95 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlighted specific sites: Campsite 27 (in Loop B) is noted for being spacious, with 'lots of room to spare.' Campsite 2 (Loop A) also received positive feedback for its setup and...

Based on 95 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility features is provided in the reviews.

Based on 95 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users emphasize leashing pets, particularly around horses, for safety. 'Please use caution around horses in the campground--leash pets,' advises the official guidelines.

Based on 95 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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