Kalama Horse Camp

Star4.70
95 reviews
46° 8'33.15"N, 122°19'36.71"W

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

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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...
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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."

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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

The camping season truly comes alive between May and September, when gentle summer breezes replace the region's characteristic rain and snow. Early season visitors might encounter dramatic weather transitions, with misty mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons. The dry summer months transform the landscape into a rider's paradise, where moderate temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for both trail riding and stargazing around the campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in US

Peak season May–Sep; trails most accessible and busiest, reviewers favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited availability into late Sept; early fall can be quieter but season ends late Sept.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens late May; early spring weather variable and services not in-season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is reservable May–Sep; official season excludes winter services.

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

Nestled in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, Kalama Horse Camp beckons equestrian enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike to experience the Pacific Northwest's volcanic wilderness. This unique 27-site campground seamlessly blends the thrill of horseback exploration with the raw beauty of one of America's most dramatic landscapes. While designed with riders in mind, the camp warmly welcomes all nature lovers, offering walk-up sites for those traveling without their four-legged companions.
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.
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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.

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.
HikingNumerous trails are available, ranging from easy to challenging. One reviewer noted, 'Trails are numerous, plenty for a week of riding. Some easy some harder,' and another commented on the well-marked trails: 'Trails were cleared and well marked.'
BikingBiking is supported on shared trails. Details on specific trail terrain or difficulty are not elaborated.
Wildlife viewingWhile specific wildlife species are not mentioned, the natural environment and trail access provide opportunities for wildlife observation.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive sites are mentioned, though specific details about their content or topics are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Kalama Horse Camp

Reviews

4.7
95 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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!' -...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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