Camp Kalama RV Park

We arrived on a Sunday, so the crowds from the weekend had gone. The campground is alongside the Kalama River. Nice little beach for launching kayaks or floaters. I was told the fishing is great. Sites are on grass and most seem pretty level. Water & power only unless you are staying long term. They do have a dump station on site. When we dumped, the sewer was backed up. The manager came by and said “yeah we know about, sorry”. We were on our way out anyway. Otherwise the campground was clean and the grounds were maintained. There is a cafe & a bar, but we didn’t go. There are lots of bunnies hopping around, driving our dogs crazy. The blackberries are everywhere and they were ready for picking, we were able to get a few- very tasty. Easy access to hwy 5, but the noise was not an issue from our site. Close to town for shopping & restaurants.

Like the previous reviewer, we're not put off by "rustic", but sometimes things get just a little too rustic. This park is on the verge of tipping over into that category. Most of the facilities are in need of deferred maintenance of one sort or the other, although the main restroom/shower building was closed "for remodeling". Sites are close to one another, but ours was adequate for the size of our rig. Although the park brochure has a long list of rules, quite a few appeared to be being broken. As an example, there were several permanent residents with blue tarp-covered piles of stuff, broken BBQs, sagging couches, etc. around their rigs.

The office was closed when we arrived, but we were able to register in the bar, where the bartender/manager/owner? gave us the most cursory of welcomes, took our money, and then got back to his cribbage game with the only customer in the place. In the morning we decided to give the cafe a try. It's rather cute in a down-home way and there were several old geezers sitting around nursing their coffees, having breakfast and telling tales. Service was friendly, but the food was unremarkable.

Being right on the banks of the Kalama River, this park will appeal to those who like to fish in season. We hear there are steelhead to be taken.

Since it was early spring when we were there and quite cold and drizzly, we kept our windows closed and weren't bothered by either train or freeway noise. Would we stay here again? Probably, but not if we could find something better.

Oh, one more thing: At one time someone planted a lot of great trees and shrubs in this park. Now the planting beds don't appear to be being very well maintained, but it was a delight to see camellias, rhodies, spring bulbs and cherry trees in bloom all around the park. Lots of mature evergreens too.

We often stay in places that others find "too rustic" so that's not the issue for this park.

Our site was very level, grass with a small tree (unfortunately blocked our awning). Water pressure was fine, 30 amp electric.

The "river front" site was close to the water but blocked with large hedges so no view and no access. The trailer next to us pulled in the opposite direction so shared our living space and used the only picnic table. Thankfully they didn't use the fire pit which was under our bedroom window. Lots of tent campers but everyone was very quiet.

Park WiFi doesn't work away from office area.

Cute little diner with decent food, we didn't try the bar but I'm sure it's fun. Nice staff.

Nearby train shakes the ground (that was a first even for parks with tracks next door) and there is interstate noise.

The location was good for visiting family and Mt St Helens (a must-see) with close proximity to groceries and eateries.

This park, while next to the Kalama River, is also close to I-5. We backed in right next to the river farthest away from the interstate which we recommend. There's electric and water but no sewer.
We were visiting friends or we wouldn't have stayed so long.
Unusual for RV parks it has a cafe and a quaint wine and beer bar. A highlight. There were a fair number of tent campers but they were quiet. It might be a little too funky for some but we enjoyed our time there.