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Base Camp
Explore the volcanic landscape of Mount St. Helens
Base Camp is a rare and exciting opportunity for folks to camp on the north side of Mount St. Helens. Bring your camping gear, set up for the weekend, and participate in all the mountain has to offer. Gaze into the blast zone and enjoy grand views in all directions, go on a self-guided adventure, or join us for a guided hike. You can launch all your adventures from Base Camp Mount St. Helens, located at the Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. In the evenings, enjoy dinner with us, learn from our guest speaker, and wind down with a s'more at the community campfire.
Base Camp Overview
- Who is Base Camp for?
- Everyone! All ages are welcome. Youth must be accompanied by an adult
- What's included?
- Camp or RV site
- Five delicious meals prepared in our kitchen
- Guided activities with our knowledgable staff & volunteers
- Self-guided activity pack for unstructured playtime
- Access to the Science and Learning Center (SLC) including board games, art card, and library
- Access to flush toilets and running water inside the SLC
- Borrow binoculars for wildlife spotting
- What do I need to bring?
- Snacks
- Camping gear, including your tent or RV
- Your sense of adventure
- Any gear you'll need for self-guided adventures, such as kayaks, hiking gear, fishing poles, etc.
Additional Information
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Fees and sliding scale
Slide up if you have discretionary income for expenses like travel, dining out, entertainment, etc.
Slide down if your financial circumstances would prevent you from participating.
Each level has a set number of spots available. If there are no spots available at the level you would like to pay, please email us!
Why a sliding scale?
Mount St. Helens Institute fees cover the cost of operating our programs including paying our staff livable wages, purchasing locally where possible and taking measures to practice environmental and fiscal responsibility.
To increase access to some of our programs, we are piloting a sliding scale to ensure that all people can connect with and benefit from an experience in the outdoors. We believe that everyone can learn from and be inspired by the volcano in our backyard and that our public lands and nature belong to everyone.
When you register, you will be asked to choose a dollar amount (or discount amount ) that works for you and your family. We welcome everyone to pay at the level that is feasible for them.
Pay it Forward
Paying at this level covers the actual cost of the event and gives back.
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $338
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $338
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $213/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
True Cost
Paying at this level covers the actual cost of the event.
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $270
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $270
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $170/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
75% Cost
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $203
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $203
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $128/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
50% Cost
Tent Site + 1 Attendee: $135
This ticket is to reserve a tent site + admission for 1 attendee.
RV Site + 1 Attendee: $135
This ticket is to reserve 1 RV site + admission for 1 attendee.
Additional attendee(s): $85/person
This ticket is for event admission for each additional attendee.
FAQ
Are children allowed?
Yes, they are an additional attendee. Also, check out Family Adventure Camp.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, no. We love our furry friends but dogs are not permitted at this event.
Can you accommodate my dietary allergies or restrictions?
Typically, yes. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link for a Participant Information Form. Please complete this for all attendees. There is a question to help us accommodate your dietary needs. While we can prepare meals to accommodate most needs, note that we cannot guarantee an allergen-free kitchen. If you have questions email events@mshinstitute.org.
Can I put more than one tent or RV on a site?
That depends. Tent sites are 10' x 10'. RV sites are either 18'x50' or 18'x30'. Sites are first come, first served.
Can I park near the tent site?
No, tent sites are a short walk from the unload area on a ridge overlooking Coldwater Lake with views of Mount St. Helens.
Can I tent in an RV spot?
Maybe. RV sites are in a parking lot with great views of Mount St. Helens.
Can I select a tent or RV site that is next to friends or family?
Yes, if there are neighboring tent/RV sites still available. Sites are first come, first served.
Do I need to bring my own gear for outdoor activities?
You will need to supply your own outdoor gear if you plan to bike, boat, or fish.
Will there be any guided hikes?
There will be a guided hike Saturday morning.
What other activities are there?
We will have a guest speaker and a s'mores bar Saturday evening. There will also be activities, books and crafts available in and around the Science and Learning Center.
What activities can I do on my own?
You can go mountain biking on South Coldwater Ridge, fishing in Coldwater Lake (WDFW license required), kayaking in Coldwater Lake, hiking on numerous trails, reading a book or playing games at your tent/RV site while enjoying the views.
What kind of bathrooms are there?
There are two well-maintained portable toilets near the campground. The Science and Learning Center has flush toilets and running water, but we do not have showers.
What are your program policies?
You can find our program policies, including cancellation and refunds, here.
Oh, no, the event is sold out! Do you have a waitlist?
Yes! If the event you want is sold out, please join the waitlist and we will let you know as soon as a spot opens up for you. You can also check out our similar Family Adventure Camp campout.
Still have more questions?
Email events@mshinstitute.org or call (360) 449-7883.
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Mount St. Helens Institute operates under a special use permit from the US Forest Service, WA State Parks and is honored to work on the Traditional Cultural Property, ancestral and present day lands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Mount St. Helens Institute is an equal opportunity provider.
