Roza sits along a calm bend in the Yakima River Canyon, about nine miles northeast of camping near Selah, where the river runs cold and clear through dry canyon country. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and stays open year-round, with a $15 per night fee. Access involves some rough road conditions, so drivers should plan accordingly, though rigs up to 50 feet can fit the sites.
Six sites are laid out on paved parking areas, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Site #3 picks up more shade in the afternoon. The canyon is notably dry, so the established fire pits matter. There's no hookups, water, or dump station on-site, but trash service is provided and reviewers consistently note the campground is kept clean. Road noise from the nearby highway is audible, particularly at night.
The river is the main draw. Anglers should know this stretch is catch-and-release only. Roza also serves as a takeout point for rafting trips that begin near Ellensburg, and the calm water near camp works for low-key paddling. As Shawn A. noted, "Early in the AM the fish are jumping." Nearby, Big Pines Campground - Yakima River Canyon and Lmuma Creek Campground - Yakima River Canyon offer additional options along the same stretch of river. Roza is a good match for anglers, paddlers, and anyone wanting a no-frills base in the canyon.
Description
The gentle Yakima River winds for 27 miles through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. This area is popular for wildlife viewing, fishing, and floating the river.
Recreation The Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination for plant and wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, various birds of prey, and mule deer. This section of the river is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, but is catch and release only. One of the most popular summer activities is floating the river, which is a family friendly Class 1 river with no rapids. Rafters often put in at Umtanum and take out at Roza.
Facilities All four BLM-managed recreation sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, nearby dumpsters and vault toilets. Hookups and potable water are not provided. Big Pines campground is where the majority of the campsites are located, and contains two group campsites. Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, and Roza also offer campsites. Umtanum and Roza receive high day-use visitation during the summer months. Roza offers a concrete boat launch. Motorboats are prohibited upstream from Roza.
Reservation Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRoza is located in Washington near Selah
Public CampgroundDirections
From Ellensburg, Washington, take Hwy 821 (Canyon Road) south through the Yakima River Canyon. Roza is located at milepost 7.
Coordinates
46.76443844 N
120.45650618 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 20 min from Yakima, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Kennewick, WA
- 1 hr 41 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 1 hr 59 min from Seattle, WA
