Best Camping in and near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

90% (5 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument adventure.

Explore the blast-zone, backcountry, and lava tubes of Mount St. Helens.

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Kalama Horse Camp Campground

52 sites In Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

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Top-rated campgrounds near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

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Naked Falls

22 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Stevenson, WA

Naked Falls is the second largest waterfall on the Washougal River. This section of the river has been a hotspot for Kayakers and Cliff divers for decades. If you like watching Salmon run, this is a great place to do it. This is easy car access to a raw outdoor camping experience. You will be camping next to the crystal clear Washougal River and have access to Naked Falls and Reeder Falls. Come prepared as the nearest potable water source is at least a mile away and you won't see any lights or electrical outlets on the property. There are portables toilet now between sites 4 and 5 on the east side of the road and between sites 15 and 16 on the west side. Portable toilets taken out in Mid October and put back in in Mid March. Firewood is not delivered to each site if you order it. There are many good reasons for this, not the least of which is that it can rain and then all the wood gets wet. We keep the firewood in a small woodshed and give you instructions on where to find it and what the code is before you check in. Also, please remember that I don't live there and there is limited service on the property. If you have questions, please contact me in advance as I may be unreachable when you arrive at the property. The Campsites mostly go in the order they appear as you drive through the campground. With some exceptions. Sites 8 and 11 (in that order) are up the hill from the fork at site 2. Sites 12 through 19 are in order on the West side of the river. There are signs with the site numbers next to each site. The sites each have their own parking spaces. Please see the brief descriptions below so you have a good idea of what kind of experience you can expect at each site. If you are not familiar with the area, or even if you haven't camped there before, I recommend contacting me for directions or information about the area before you go up. Also, if you have an RV, you will want to contact me to discuss which site you really want to book depending on the size of your RV, awnings, slide outs, etc. Each booked site is allowed 2 cars or 1 RV. If you have more than 2 cars or 1 RV, there is a fee of 10.00 per additional vehicle. Camping was banned all along the upper Washougal River in 2006 due to abuse from the public. An attitude that no one could be trusted up there formed and I lost my favorite place to camp in the whole world...but I understood why they did it. In 2017 I bought the property and worked with Skamania County to restore camping and the public trust in good people who love nature. There are now 20 campsites, mostly along the river, and I'm so pleased that the vast majority of Hipcampers are reliable co-stewards of this amazing recreational resource. It is up to us to keep Naked Falls available by keeping in mind that it is a crucial fish and wildlife habitat and we are but visitors there. Be sure to stick to trails and pack in/pack out. Nothing from town should be left there and nothing there should be brought back to town. *** Site 1: Saltness Creek This is the only site with direct trail access to the river on the camping side. It's also right on a creek and encompasses a corner of the confluence of the creek and the Washougal River. It's a nice open space right off the gravel road which allows you to park right by where you will set up tents and have your campfire. It also means other campers will drive right by your site and they will need to pass by it to take the trail to the river. This site is very convenient but not very private. Site 2: Naked Falls There is a short narrow trail that leads to the campsite on the Naked Falls cliff. It's awesome! This is the original campsite at Naked Falls and has likely been there for 100 years or more. It overlooks the waterfall and island downstream. It's really the coolest campsite but it's not for everybody. The area for pitching tents is smaller than at the other sites. Only 2 medium sized tents will fit comfortably. You may be able to cram 3 tents in but should be aware that it's only really meant for 2. Groups larger than 6 may want to consider another site. Also, it is right on the cliff where people like to jump so, while you have the best view of all the fun stuff happening at the falls, you also have cliff divers coming up to say hi during the day. Site 3: Desk Job This site is just past the falls. It has a wide short trail to the camping area and a beautiful view of the river that passes right by the site about 30 ft below it. It is nice, quiet and secluded. Site 4: Middle Management This site is nice for pulling vehicles in and around. It loops around some trees in the center. The trees to the east and North are all alders so it has limited shade in the morning when there aren't leaves on the trees (winter and early spring) The trail down is wide and short. There is a small opening with a nice view of the river and it's quiet. A great place to listen to the flow of the river and the beat of your heart. Site 5: Conference Room The Conference Room is tucked into the woods a little more than the other sites. It's right over the river just like all the rest of the sites but the trees like living on that cliff...like a whole bunch. You can walk to the edge and see the river but it's not the most open view of the river. I love this site. It has two old growth stumps from the first harvest ever at Naked Falls. They tell stories of the Yacolt burn and a lot of hard winters. A short narrow trail get's you from your car to to the camping area in about 20 steps. Site 6: Printer Jam This site is quite large and has the most extensive view of the river. Great for bigger groups or bigger tents. This is a chill spot where you can roast marshmallows while watching the flow of the Washougal River 35 ft below. Site 7: Budget Meeting This site is not meant for vehicle traffic! Please do not drive your vehicle onto the site as that has caused damage to the site itself and it needs to recover. The last site on the road has the longest walk...about 50 yards. It is also a large space and is the most secluded. It's the longest distance from river access but also the most private. The walk down passes an old growth tree that must have fallen decades ago. It has a huge base and the root structure is about 12 ft tall. There are a variety of trees that hug this campsite. If you don't mind the walk, you are sure to dig the vibe at our version of a Budget Meeting. Site 8: The Slash Pile Please read this full description before booking. I'm giving this site a go because I think it's a rather unique experience for the right people. This site sits up above all the river sites. It is not on a river but has a river view and view of all the other campsites. It is surrounded by a slash pile which is the wood debris left over from logging. You can drive right to it but only if you have 4wd/AWD. The road is also surrounded by alder trees that might slap the side of your car as you go up so if you are concerned about that, this is not the spot for you. There is not much shade up there either. You may want to bring a shade tent. The site is fairly large and has plenty of room for tents but I don't recommend any trailers or RVs here due to the steep rocky road. Your walk to the river will be about as long as the walk from site 7. It will be an easy walk down and a bit of a trek up. If no one books this site, I will totally understand but It's a cool spot if you are cool with the challenges it presents. Site 9: Hard Scramble Creek This site is embedded in the woods and has the most tree cover. It is even further from the river access than site 8...about a half mile walk. There is plenty of room but only one way in and out so turning around should be thought out before you set up your tents. Also, I've seen people pull off trailering large rigs up there but I'm pretty sure it was painstaking. If you have a large RV or Trailer, I would skip this site. Smaller trailers and RVs should be fine if you have some experience and patience. This site is quiet and the sound of the creek is soothing during the day and night. Site 10: Rock Beach Woods This site is in the woods along the river near an inviting rock beach that flows into a crystal clear swimming hole. This site is not behind a gate and day use visitors are allowed to use the trail and access the rock beach. The rock beach gets less traffic than we have right by Naked Falls but it is part of the day use area. This is a park and walk site. Parking is along the main road and you hike in about 50 yards to the campsite. This is one of the coolest campsites we have. Literally cooler as it is along the river edge and not along a cliffside like most of the other sites. Also cooler because it is under deep tree cover with soft mossy terrain. If you like the sounds of the river, shady woods and very close access to swimming, you will love this site! Site 11: This One Goes to Eleven! Situated on the top of the hill, this site has the most impressive views of all the sites! About a 270 degree view of the surrounding mountain region give you a great vantage point that often includes eagles flying below you, elk across the valley and a variety of other wildlife. This site is the farthest from the river, civilization and all the other campsites. If you are looking for something remote and have a 4wd/AWD vehicle, this might be the best site for you. Sites 12-19: All of these sites are right near the West side of the river. They were designed to accommodate RVs and Trailers. They are made for one trailer or RV per site or 2 camper vans. Tents are fine here too. There is easy in and out access to each site. It is nearer to the W2000 road and the sites are a bit closer together. There is still a significant amount of treed space between each site, just not as much as the original campsites. They each have a fire pit and cleared space for tents along with the graveled area for parking your RV. The sites are fairly level but not perfect and some leveling may be required depending on the size of your RV. This area has it's own trail down to the river or you can use the day use trail just a short walk North past the wooden Naked Falls sign. There are 3 total vehicles allowed at each of these sites (no exceptions) that includes the rv or trailer. So, truck and trailer count as one and you can have one addition car...or you can have 3 cars if you are car or tent camping. There is a charge of 10.00 extra for the third vehicle. No parking is allowed along the W2000 road unless you have a Naked Falls parking pass for day use. Site 0. This is the old site 12 that I had closed down. It is just up the hill from the fork at site 2. So at the fork near site 2, you will take a left and go up the hill about a quarter of a mile. It will be on your right hand side before you get to site 8. This is a large site part way up a hill surrounded by trees about 15 ft high. Very little shade, so you will want to bring a shade tent in the Summertime.

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HolisticLifeFarm Clatskanie OR

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Clatskanie, OR

Welcome to Holistic Life Farm! We are a working homestead and delight in sharing our daily experience and offer visits with our sheep, cows and chickens. Holistic Life Farm offers a 1 dry tent site for up to 12 people, a quaint hideaway cabin, and a glamped out 16x20 canvas tent with a wood stove. We also offer 1 RV site in our parking area. Stop on your way to Astoria and the coast and make this your destination. Find us about 30 minutes off I-5 freeway across the Longview bridge or 45 minutes east of Astoria. Our farm sits about 5 miles off Highway 30 to the north. We can direct you to hiking and mountain biking trails in the area (Beaver Falls trailhead is 5 miles from our farm). There is a motor boat launch in the town of Clatskanie, with access to Columbia River. There is also a launch in the city park for kayaking. The Zen Monastery is just 5 miles away. Long Beach, WA is across the Columbia River via the Astoria Bridge. Lounging about the homestead works too.

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Two Frog Bog

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Roy, WA

Welcome to Two Frog Bog, a 20-acre forested haven featuring 5 acres of wetland. Our accommodations include a 24-foot yurt with a private, semi-attached bathhouse, two 10 x 20-foot tent cabins with outdoor kitchens and private outhouses with composting toilets. You’ll enjoy the outdoor shower that is available for all guests. The communal fire pit is a great place to roast s’mores and maybe meet new friends. But wait, there’s more: a two-tent campground where we provide the tents, a shared, covered and fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a shared composting outhouse (cleaned at least once a day). Campground has access to shower and fire pit as well. Explore our forest trails leading to the serene wetland, and don't miss our unique 26-foot-wide, 10-foot-tall Woodhenge – a magical spot to relax in a hammock, read a book, or stargaze. Two Frog Bog invites you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the variety of accommodations and shared spaces we offer.

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Riverfront Glamping & Camping

10 sites · Lodging, Tents33 acres · Kalama, WA

Wooden Bridge Retreats, is a 33 acre riverfront sanctuary, just one hour north of Portland, OR, where the tranquility of nature meets an event venue designed to rejuvenate, inspire, and connect. From secluded camping sites to comfortable glamping in a cedar cabin or geodesic dome, every stay is designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the surroundings. ***Important note*** as we just recently gravelled our road back to the property, we can host all wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles only at this time.***

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WindWoodRivers

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Home Valley, WA

One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you! These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, St. Martin homestead-started in the late 1800s. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply in these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands. Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, 60 minutes east of Portland, 25 minutes west of Hood River. A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!

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Retired DNR Fire Watch Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Trout Lake, WA

Looking for an off grid'ish experience but want some of the comforts of home? **NOTE** Cabin will be decorated with traditional holiday decor from November 22nd - January 2nd** Come stay in my cozy cool cabin at the base of Mt Adams in Trout Lake, WA. Cabin has one Queen bed and a fold out cot under the bed. Max capacity 2 adults and 2 children. What makes this cabin cool? Well, it is a retired DNR fire watch cabin! The cabin is as original as can be! Equipped with battery operated and solar lights along with propane heat! Porta potty right next to it for your use! There is a full bathroom and amenities to include fridge, microwave, coffee pot and air fryer just a short walk away! Winter sports galore up here right now! Cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ample parking for snow mobile trailers! OR bring your favorite book and come enjoy a peaceful restful weekend! Springtime is a gorgeous time of year up here and turkey season is a favorite! Ample room for boats/trailers if you are considering hitting Drano lake for some springer salmon fishing! It is apx 30 minutes away. In the summertime come up and enjoy the hiking! Sleeping Beauty trail is just a few minutes away and you are within 30 minutes or Hood River if you are looking to explore and check out wineries. There are cheese caves, ice caves, Goose Lake, Council Lake and so much more! Fall is one of my favorite seasons! Hood River fishery has been amazing and the fall colors can't be beat! There is a fire pit and campfires are welcome when there is not a burn ban. Trout Lake Inn is a local favorite up here and check their Facebook to see what live entertainment they have coming up. Pets are welcome - please make sure they are well behaved and are kept close to the cabin. I do have my own friendly dogs (Ruby and Muskett) on the property, but they do not have access to the cabin area. Come enjoy the mountain air - it is good for the soul! **No parties - limit of 2 adult guests and up to 2 children. No illegal drugs. No smoking or vaping inside cabin or the bathroom/hospitality room.

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Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elbe, WA

Welcome to our campsite located near Mt. Rainier. Our property is close to the Nisqually River on one side and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad track on the other. The entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is just a 15-minute drive away, making our campsite a convenient base for exploring the park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and watching the scenic railroad pass by. Our campsite offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for the outdoor activities or just want a quiet spot to camp, we look forward to hosting you.

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Nature Camp, Cabin and Farm

11 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Yacolt, WA

Do you feel more at peace in nature? Nature Camp is a magical experience that immerses you in nature and all its wonder. It is a beautiful forest garden with lots of wildlife and lush edible plants. If you've been feeling like you need to get away, leave your electronics and your chaotic, busy lives behind, Mother Nature is calling you. Nature Camp has been a dream made reality where we protect and adore our old growth forest. Our property is nestled among hundreds of acres of forest and creeks, some of it also old growth. Only an hour North of Portland, come find yourself here at Nature Camp. Meditate, connect to the Earth, and find peace in our many offered secluded spots. Nature Camp specializes in small groups, couples, and families that are seeking a wholesome family friendly genuine Pacific NW experience. Our mission is to create and maintain a space for those who truly appreciate nature and want to connect with its beauty, preserve its resources , and promote sustainable practices for future generations.

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Secluded Creekside Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ariel, WA

We are located between Yale and Merwin reservoirs where there is fishing, kayaking, hiking and snowmobiling. On a secluded 1 acre creekside dry camp with RV parking, covered pavilion, firepit and horse shoe pits . There is also a porta potty on site. There is ample space on this property for large groups.

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Batwater Station on Columbia River

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Clatskanie, OR

Batwater Station is located halfway between Portland and the Oregon Coast on the Columbia River. A private refuge where river otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, seals, raccoons along with threatened Columbia river white tailed deer can be seen. Property has 1,000 feet of boat docks, river deck, and pier. At the pier is a full kitchen, heated bathroom and shower room. Included are 2 outhouses, a fire pit for summer months, a viewing station overlooking the wetlands along with brick charcoal fired barbecue and another propane barbecue. We are committed to your privacy so guests are limited and spread out. High speed internet through out the property. Batwater worked with several agencies when we breeched a levee and flooded 26 acres for salmon and wildlife habitat. Hike along the wetlands and see beaver dams and dens. Batwater is also home for many types of birds including eagles, osprey, tree swallow, purple martins, barn swallows, wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers, mallards, scoots, scaups, grebes, cormorants, great egrets, blue herons, geese and many types of song birds . In the spring and summer see our returning osprey who have. nested on our dock since 2013. There are now 2 osprey platform since a pair of Canada geese choose that as their nesting site as well. Some bald eagles winter here but we have our resident bald eagles Hep and Hope. They arrived in 2003 to start their nest on Crims Island. They still nest there although there old nest tree collapsed in 2020. Many birds migrate here for the winter. Common mammals are river otter, mink, muskrat, raccoons, nutria, coyotes, black tailed and threatened Colombia White Tailed deer. We also are home to native turtles and frogs. Batwater is a working farm with cattle feeding on lush pastures, 2 retired horses and chickens. When eggs are available, we will share some with you. Batwater is a great place to kayak, canoe, paddle board or row during the summer months. We have windy afternoons for windsurfers or sailors. The Columbia River is well known for salmon, and sturgeon. For an extra fee you can moor your larger boat while visiting. There are a volley ball and badminton set ups along with horse shoes during the summer months. We suggest swimming during the summer months when the tide is coming in or slack. You can also walk or drive down to Mayger beach which is popular with locals. There are sandy beaches on Crims island that you can paddle over too. Check out the pictures for more information.

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The Village at Rainier

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Ashford, WA

True glamping experience! The Village has your choice of a private cabin with RV pad that include electric and water. Cabins have 1/2 baths and group firepit. Site is located right at base-camp for Mt Rainier. Private access to the Nisqually River and 10 minutes to the entrance of the National Forrest. Everything you could want for camping, a romantic getaway, or climbing/hiking Mt Rainier. Check in time is 5:00 pm Check out time is 11:00 am

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Romantic Forest Hide-a-Way

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · White Salmon, WA

💥❣️💥Thrilling Delights of Amazing Starlit Nights (5/10 - 5/14*) 💥❣️💥 Largely constructed from materials lovingly and gently harvested on-site, the Yurt at Rivendell is a sanctuary of peace and serenity. A place for rejuvenation and inspiration. The yurt began as a rustic structure utilizing lumber from trees selectively harvested to protect the health of the forest. But, the more Roy worked on the Yurt the more it spoke to him letting him know how to proceed and what it should become -- resulting in this phenomenally peaceful and stress-free wilderness sanctuary where the sun, the moon and the stars wink at you through the gentle undulations of the 100-year-old Douglas Firs Trees or through the ambient ether of the adjoining meadows. Our property is located 1hr and 30 minutes from Mt Hood in Oregon. We are located in White Salmon, Washington. There are enough things to do in White Salmon, including hiking trails, biking trails, white water rafting, waterfalls, and paddling spots to keep you entertained for a weekend, week, or lifetime! NOTE: While we do accept Instant Bookings for both our Tree House and Yurt there may very rarely be a conflict with a booking received earlier from another site when the HipCamp calendar has not been updated to reflect that booking. In that case, we default to the earliest booking and work with the guest to see if there are other dates which will work. *Meteorologists project possible visible Northern Lights through May 14, 2024

The best camping near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument guide

Overview

About

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens blasted off the conical summit of this Cascade volcano, leaving behind a two-mile-wide crater and a transformed landscape. At Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, visitors can peer into Mount St. Helens’ still active crater from the Johnston Ridge Observatory; hike across the eruption-scarred surrounds; spelunk through a lava tube at the Ape Caves; or attempt a permitted summit of Mount St. Helens’ rim via Monitor Ridge. Although the monument has no campgrounds, it is part of the larger Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which features a variety of camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating opportunities. Excellent camping can be found at Gifford Pinchot’s Iron Creek Campground and Kalama Horse Camp, as well as at nearby Seaquest State Park. For more camping options close to Mount St. Helens, including RV parks with full hookups and cabins, check out the nearby towns of St. Helens, Cougar, and Morton.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options.
Reservable sites can be booked online or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Some Gifford Pinchot campgrounds are seasonal, operating from mid-May to mid-October. For specific info on the current season, call the park ranger’s office at (360) 449-7800.

When to go

Most visitors come to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument between mid-May and October. This is when the seasonal John Ridge Observatory and most nearby campsites are open. Spring visitors may enjoy wildflower blooms, while even summer campers can expect low temperatures in the 50s. Rain gear is advised year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for the possibility of driving and hiking on snow and ice.

Know before you go

The Johnston Ridge Observatory features a museum covering the volcano’s geology, viewpoints, and trailheads into the blast zone.
The Ape Cave on the south side of Mount St. Helens offers 2.5 miles of subterranean hiking, scrambling, and climbing through a lava tube. Reservations are required—and be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Experienced climbers can attempt to reach the 8,365-foot summit of Mount St. Helens’ crater rim via the Monitor Ridge Route. Permits are required to go above 4,800 feet, and depending on conditions, snowshoes and crampons may be necessary.