Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds
Open year-round. Reservations available May 1 through September 30 via Recreation.gov. First-come, first-served October 1 through April 30. Construction at Big Pines and Roza during summer 2026 may result in temporary closures of up to two weeks; exact dates will be posted when schedules are finalized.
Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 12:05PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions may cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 7:36PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency, and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality Alert until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Alert, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000. Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050. Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.
About
The Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds encompass four developed Bureau of Land Management recreation sites along Washington State's Scenic Highway 821. Big Pines is the largest with 42 campsites and a non-motorized boat launch. Roza offers 6 shaded sites near Roza Dam. Umtanum has 18 sites and a historic footbridge providing the only pedestrian crossing to the west side of the river. Lmuma Creek is the smallest with 7 campsites and a scenic overlook. The gentle Yakima River winds through massive basalt cliffs rising over 2,000 feet and rolling desert hills, creating excellent habitat for bighorn sheep, birds of prey, and mule deer. The river is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream with catch-and-release fishing only. Summer floating from Umtanum to Roza is popular, as the Class 1 water has no rapids. All sites are primitive with vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and dumpsters, but no potable water or hookups. Campers are limited to 7-day stays, 10 people, and 2 vehicles per site. Dogs must be leashed.
Directions
Located along Washington State Scenic Highway 821 (Canyon Road) between Ellensburg and Yakima. Umtanum is near milepost 16, Lmuma Creek near milepost 12, Big Pines near milepost 8, and Roza near milepost 7.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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
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