Airplane Camping at Chehalis Airport

Wayne and I love airplane camping. One of our favourite spots is the Chehalis/Centralia Airport (KCLS).

During the disastrous storm of December 2007, the Chehalis River flooded the airport and nearby I-5. Today, there's little evidence of the devastation except for a new administrative building on pilings to weather any future storms.

Chehalis is a friendly airport. Every time we camp, people stop to say hello, or to offer us rides to the nearby shopping center and restaurants. There is even a courtesy car just for the asking. But we like to walk for fun and exercise.

The campground is unique at an airport of this size. You can park your plane at the edge of the grass and put up your tent next to the wing. There are covered picnic tables and spotless restrooms.


If you don't want to cook, there are several options within walking distance. Take the bridge over the canal and across the street to the Riverside Golf Club for lunch or dinner. It's fun to sit on the deck and watch the golfers finish the last hole. You can also walk to the other side of the airport to the adjacent shopping center. There's a gate at the approach end of Runway 34. but the safest way is to walk around the perimeter on the gravel path. There are several fast food restaurants and an Applebees across from Walmart.

If you are looking for a quick gas stop (the cheapest around), a place to camp, a round of golf, or a quick bite, give Chehalis/Centralia Airport a try. For more information, go to FlyCLS.com.

Do you like to read about flying adventures? Take a look at Up the Airway. It includes stories about flying in Canada, Coastal BC, and the Pacific Northwest. - Margy