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 15 to October 10. 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: Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.. 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.

Kalama Horse Camp

4.63

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

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

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

Standard Nonelectric: $23.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$23.00

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360-449-7800HWilliamson@goexplorus.com

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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

Weather at Kalama Horse Camp

Current alerts(3)

Although all sites accomodate both equestrian and non-equestrian users, only visitors with stock animals are permitted in reservable sites. Visitors without stock animals are permitted only in walk-up sites, which are first-come first-serve.
Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night of stay.

Best Time to Camp at Kalama Horse Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and the fullest range of activities — expect dry, trail-friendly conditions with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (18–26 °C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–10 °C). Trails, horse routes, and viewpoint access are at their best for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography of Mount St. Helens' recovering landscape. Campground services and reservations are active in this period, but expect moderate to ( Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May–Sept best conditions; dry trails and peak season, most accessible recreation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 10. 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 is a US Forest Service equestrian campground in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills, designed specifically for riders and their stock. The small facility offers spacious sites with vault toilets, potable water, and access to well-maintained trails that wind through forested terrain. Reviewers praise the cleanliness, helpful camp hosts, and trail markings, though the rocky paths challenge beginners and cell service is limited.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and the fullest range of activities — expect dry, trail-friendly conditions with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (18–26 °C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s °F (4–10 °C). Trails, horse routes, and viewpoint access are at their best for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography of Mount St. Helens' recovering landscape. Campground services and reservations are active in this period, but expect moderate to ( Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2073 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or non-camping accommodations available at this site, which is catered to campers and equestrian users.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive sites are mentioned, though specific details about their content or topics are not provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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).

Best CampsitesLoop A site 1, a group site, draws repeat visitors. Loop B site 27 gets praise for privacy and space. Outside loop sites with 4 corrals work better for larger horse groups, while inside sites with 2 pens suit smaller setups.

Need help booking Kalama Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Although all sites accomodate both equestrian and non-equestrian users, only visitors with stock animals are permitted in reservable sites. Visitors without stock animals are permitted only in walk-up sites, which are first-come first-serve.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground relies on pit toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 95 reviews.

Campsite 27Loved
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…
Loop BMentioned
Loop B is described as 'LQ friendly.'

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

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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