Washington / Kittitas County / Wenas Wildlife Area

Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available May 1 through September 30 via Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served October 1 through April 30 using self-service fee stations. Limited to 7 consecutive days.

About

The Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds consist of four developed Bureau of Land Management sites (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza) spread along 27 miles of the gentle Yakima River as it winds through massive basalt cliffs rising over 2,000 feet. This area is known for the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in Washington State, along with bighorn sheep and mule deer viewing opportunities. The Yakima River is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream with catch-and-release only regulations. Summer floating is popular on this family-friendly Class 1 river with no rapids, with many rafters putting in at Umtanum and taking out at Roza. The canyon sits along Washington State Scenic Byway Highway 821, with sites located at various mileposts between Ellensburg and Yakima. Campsites range from 6 sites at Roza to 42 sites at Big Pines, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Facilities include vault toilets and dumpsters at each location, but no potable water or hookups are provided. The Umtanum site features a footbridge crossing the Yakima River for access to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. All sites are accessible year-round with reservations available May through September and first-come, first-served camping the remainder of the year.

Directions

Located along Highway 821 (Canyon Road) between Ellensburg and Yakima. From Ellensburg, take Highway 821 south into the Yakima River Canyon. Umtanum is at milepost 16, Lmuma Creek at milepost 12, Big Pines at milepost 10, and Roza at milepost 7.

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