The Airport that Wouldn't Drown

Wayne and I wanted to go airplane camping. Airport guides don't always include camping information, so we decided to return to Chehalis/Centralia Airport (KCLS).

During the disastrous storm of December 2007, the Chehalis River flooded the airport and nearby I-5. Click here to see a picture. The I-5 freeway is in the foreground, next is a shopping center with the airport beyond. You can just see the tops of the hangers in front of the treeline. Today, there's little evidence of the devastation. The campground grass has regrown, the restrooms scrubbed and the airport office and pilot lounge renovated. Stop by and meet Allyn, the airport manager. He can tell you all about it.

The campground is really user friendly. 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 open all night long. We've camped here twice and we've had the place all to ourselves. And the locals are really friendly. Last night as we tucked into our cozy tent we were greeted with a cheery, "Hello campers." Who could ask for more.

If you don't want to cook, there are several options within walking distance. Follow the sidewalk over the canal and directly across the street to the golf course. They serve lunch and early dinners. You can also walk (carefully) across the runway to the adjacent shopping center. The easiest place to cross the ditch at the edge of the airport is behind K-Mart. It's usually dry in the summer.There are several fast food restaurants and an Applebees across from Walmart.

If you are looking for a quick gas stop, 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