Camp Kalama RV Resort – Kalama, Washington

Camp Kalama sits right on the river with easy highway access and plenty of room to breathe. Spacious gravel sites—many long, flat, and drive-through—make it friendly for big rigs, while tent sites sit close to the water with a sandbar just steps away (though the riverbank is steep in spots). Water/electric hookups, a dump station, propane on site, and lots of trash cans keep things simple and clean. There are also a handful of full-timers, but most sites turn over daily.

Large Sites

Fishing is the star here—steelhead, salmon, trout—and people even buy day passes just to fish this stretch of water. You can launch kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or drift boats, and if you head upriver you’ll find a sandbar known for excellent fishing. Plenty of space to walk Kona, blackberry-lined riverbanks, picnic areas, fire rings, shade trees, and swimming access right from camp create a relaxed, outdoor feel. Riverside sites are especially scenic.

There’s a small restaurant open Thursday–Sunday, and you’re only about 15 minutes from full resupply in town (multiple grocery stores, Walmart, fuel). Fuel prices in Washington can be steep, but you’re 40 minutes north of Vancouver and roughly an hour from Mount St. Helens—with lake swimming nearby and an easy drive to the visitor center (though upper-mountain roads may close occasionally due to slides, so check conditions). A shaded riverside bench is a perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day.

Looking Upstream of the campground

Overall: pet-friendly, well laid out, great fishing, and river access that’s hard to beat.