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.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued January 18 at 9:09PM PST until January 20 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Pendleton OR
* WHAT...Poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northeast Oregon and central, south central, and southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
Freezing Fog Advisory issued January 18 at 1:42PM PST until January 18 at 2:00PM PST by NWS Pendleton OR
* WHAT...Poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...In Oregon, Central Oregon and North Central Oregon. In Washington, Kittitas Valley. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Area coverage of freezing fog has reduced since this morning, but lingering fog along parts of I-82, I-97, and Highway 126 will persist through the next couple of hours. Expecting more freezing fog to redevelop overnight tonight for the region.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued January 18 at 1:42PM PST until January 20 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Pendleton OR
* WHAT...Poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...In Oregon, Central Oregon and North Central Oregon. In Washington, Kittitas Valley. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Area coverage of freezing fog has reduced since this morning, but lingering fog along parts of I-82, I-97, and Highway 126 will persist through the next couple of hours. Expecting more freezing fog to redevelop overnight tonight for the region.
From Recreation.gov
Our facility will be undergoing construction that could impact the availability of some campsites for a few weeks in the summer of 2026. Your reservation maybe cancelled if it conflicts with the construction period.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_or_sp_yrc@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (509) 665-2100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!