Best Campgrounds near Yakima, WA

Camping near Yakima, Washington, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the Yakima River: The river is perfect for kayaking and fishing. One camper mentioned, “The sites are clean, not super private but also not cramped. The lake is great for kayaking and paddleboarding” at Indian Creek.
• Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails nearby. A visitor at Umtanum Campground said, “The hiking is a pleasure in the area, with lots of wildlife. Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper noted, “We saw Bighorn sheep on the hill, big rock squirrels, wild turkeys with babies, and fish” while staying at Umtanum Campground.

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A review for Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground highlighted, “The sites have a massive amount of room to spread out.”
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground mentioned, “They have great bathrooms and showers, picnic and covered areas.”
• Beautiful Views: The scenery is a big draw. One camper at Big Pines Campground said, “Pleasantly surprised. Lots of sites, reasonably priced, paved roads, near the Yakima River.”

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Indian Creek warned, “The highway noise was very loud (even through my earplugs).”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have water or electric hookups. A review for Hause Creek Campground stated, “There is no running water, so we brought our own.”
• Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife in the area. A camper at Umtanum Campground mentioned, “We were warned there’s a lot of rattlesnakes in summer.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A visitor at Ellensburg KOA said, “Kids loved the activities and amenities.”
• Safety First: Bring shower sandals, especially if the showers are not well-kept. One camper at Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground advised, “Bring some shower sandals because the showers are dirty...but they are FREE.”
• Plan for Weather: Be prepared for wind and temperature changes. A camper at Sand Hollow Campground noted, “Because of location it gets very windy and very cold at night.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Rimrock Lake Resort mentioned, “Tightly spaced sites but the setting more than makes up for it.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground said, “They have coin showers $1 = 2 tokens 1 token 3 min hot water.”
• Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Vantage Riverstone Resort Campground mentioned, “It’s warm here in July. It has very clean bathrooms and a large laundry room.”

Yakima camping offers a variety of experiences, from serene riverside spots to family-friendly campgrounds. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!