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Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching.
The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night.
Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985?tab=seasons
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.
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.
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.
Within the Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds there are four developed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites with river access: Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the massive basalt cliffs, rolling desert hills, riparian vegetation, and the cool water of the Yakima River.
The cities of Ellensburg and Yakima, Central Washington University, and Cowiche Canyon trails are near by. Umtanum recreation site offers a footbridge to cross the Yakima River and access to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands on the west side of the river.
$38 / night
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.
$15 / night
Yakima Sportsman State Park is, literally, an oasis in the desert.
Located near the urban amenities of Yakima in arid eastern Washington, this park attracts local picnickers, out-of-town visitors and road-trippers passing through.
Birds flock to Yakima Sportsman, and so do birders, their binoculars and field guides in hand. The Yakima River flood plain sustains a natural wetland of marshes, grasses and ponds, welcoming habitat for 140 bird species. Wood ducks are the stars of the show, but dramatic red-winged blackbirds, herons and hawks make their home near the park's juvenile fishing pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout and open to young anglers.
The gentle trails come alive in season. The trees turn red, orange and yellow in fall, and spring brings a riot of lilies, chokecherry, dogwood and blossoming catalpa trees. Green lawns and tree shade make this a lovely camping or picnic spot in summer.
PARK FEATURES Yakima Sportsman State Park is a 266-acre camping park originally created by the Yakima Sportsman's Association to promote game management and the preservation of natural resources. The park is an irrigated green zone in an otherwise desert area and has a variety of deciduous trees in the camping and picnic areas.
More than 130 species of bird make wildlife watching a delight. The campground is a stay-over place for events at the Yakima Sun-Dome and fairgrounds.
The park has 37 standard campsites, 37 full-hookup sites, one dump station, two restrooms (both ADA) and four showers (all ADA). Hookup sites 1 - 16 are 60 feet long, and sites 17 - 36 are back-in sites. Site HC is an ADA-hookup site, and site 52 is an ADA-standard site. Sites 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 are near the creek.
Located along the west fork of the Teanaway River, the camp offers 55 campsites with fire rings and two ADA-accessible toilets.
Kachess Campground sits just off the forested northwest shore of Kachess Lake in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Set in dense old-growth conifer forest and surrounded by high mountains, Kachess Campground is considered one of the most beautiful sites in the Cle Elum Ranger District.
Kachess is a prime location for fishing, swimming, boating, paddling and mountain biking in summer and early fall. The campground is also a great base camp for day-hikers and overnight backpackers. Several access trails from the area give hikers the chance to create their own excursions, whether it be a day hike or an overnight trip. Starting at the campground, the Kachess Lake Trail is a short loop next to the lake, enjoyable for hikers of all levels. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon from boat or shoreline. Box Canyon Creek is closed to all fishing from the mouth, 2-miles up to the falls. Check current WDFW fishing regulations for additional restrictions.
Towering peaks, high-country lakes and old-growth forests provide visitors with a variety of landscapes. Kachess Lake, adjacent to the campground, is a reservoir that stores and provides water for irrigation for south-central Washington. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed near the campground. One of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, it showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$145 / night
$25 - $35 / night
Yakima River RV Park! Your Gateway to the Yakima River Canyon Corridor. We are located in Ellensburg in the heart of beautiful Washington State! This area boasts some of the best fly-fishing for Rainbow Trout, along with unlimited possibilities for outdoor recreation. Besides fly-fishing, river rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife photography, bird watching and water sports, the main attraction to Ellensburg is the warm weather and sunshine. Ellensburg has a full range of art galleries, restaurants, wineries, breweries and is home to the Kittitas County Barn Quilt self-guided tour. Bring your family and pet. Vacation in your recreation vehicle. Camp in this quiet, peaceful RV Park in the country, away from freeway noise. Wake up hearing the birds singing and watch the fantastic sunsets in the evening. Yakima River RV Park is a beautiful campground, just minutes south of Ellensburg, on the majestic Yakima River! The RV sites are spacious and pull-through with 30 and 50 amp power, with beautiful lush grass for tent sites. Check-in hours are between 1:00 p.m. and dark. Reservations may be made ahead.
$15 - $42 / night
Conveniently located right off exit 84 of I-90, we are a beautiful, forested campground on the Yakima River. Open year round, our 60 acre park has a large swimming pond, playgrounds, a jumping pillow, and fiber optic Wi-Fi throughout the park. We pride ourselves on being a comfortable, friendly, and clean park. We are a short drive away from the City of Cle Elum, and the many hiking trails it holds. Pet and family friendly, we are a great place to camp at at any point in the year.
BE MINDFUL OF BURN BANS! DURING A BURN BAN, IT'S PROPANE ONLY AND WE DO RENT OUT PROPANE FIRE PITS. WHEN THERE IS NOT A BURN BAN, YOU ARE PERMITTED TO RENT WOOD BURNING FIRE PITS
$38 - $270 / night
Scout
The camping is good but the owners are rude drunks I would not stay here the owners are always on site there mean to campers kids not good atmosphere
Guide
Spent overnight here. Many cars in the pkg lot—hikers & fishermen. By early evening, everyone was gone except for 3 of us campers. There is road noise which is close, but that quiets at night as well. The train is also close, but I don’t mind hearing trains. Overall, a lovely place to hang for the night and take in a hike right there at the site. Good pit toilets too!
Guide
Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.
Scout
This is a newer campground with spacious and private sites away from the river. Sites at riverside are narrow, long, flat, but not so private. While the outhouses in general are pristine, by late summer those in the lower loop are usually over full, you would be better of with a bucket. That said, we need an ADA site and the ADA and a few of the other accessible sites here are very good. This is always on our short notice list of great places to relax.
Ranger
Stayed here a few days a couple years ago and it was a great place. The campsites are nice and spacious with good privacy from other campers. The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water. But it's a nice sandy shore so great for the kids swimming and the water is so shallow for a long way out so you don't have to worry about the kids. It's a beautiful lake and nice area.
Ranger
We stayed here a few days in July and loved it! The river is so beautiful with the waterfall cascading down into the river directly across from the campsite. There is a shallow part near the shoreline where the kids had a great time playing in the river. The river itself is wide and very fast moving. The campsite we stayed in was fairly close to the next one, but we were camping with friends in the next one so it was fine. But be aware, some campsites are very close together. There is some road noise, but mostly you just hear the river.
GuideArrived on a Sunday without reservations and had several spots to choose from for our 3 night stay. Easy Lake access. The grounds are immaculately kept up - sites are very spacious - bathrooms and showers super clean. Road our e-bikes into Vantage - only a gas station/convenience store - very expensive - but it is the only game in town as everything else is closed. Continued our e-bike ride to Ginkgo Petrified forest - nice little 3 mile hike. The town is 2.5 miles from camp and another 2 to get to the petrified forest. Would stop here again. Had a relaxing time.
Guide
Overall a nice experience. $7.50/night with Access Pass. Dry camping only but close to Yakima. A fly fishing paradise.
There are train tracks close by which can be a bit noisy. However, trains don’t blow horn when passing by.
Ranger
We had a fantastic time at this pretty little creekside campground! The campsites along the creek were perfect—each one felt private and tucked away, with the soothing sound of the creek flowing nearby. The mountain views surrounding the area added to the peaceful, scenic vibe, making it a great spot to disconnect and enjoy nature. Our kids had a blast playing in the creek and biking around the campground. It’s a great place for families, with enough space and fun activities to keep the little ones entertained. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves during our stay, probably because it was a rainy weekend. The pit toilets were clean. However, one downside was that there was a fire ban in place during our August visit, so we couldn’t have a campfire. It was rainy and cold at times so it was very annoying that we couldn't have a fire to warm up.
Overall, this is a lovely, well-maintained campground, especially if you enjoy a quiet, private getaway by the creek. Just be prepared for fire restrictions if you visit in the summer months. There is some great ATV trails in this area so be prepared for some ATVers riding by on the main road, but there is enough distance from the road so it's not too loud.
Guide
This is my favorite dispersed site so far. Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby. Close enough to Mt. Rainier NP and nearby towns for supplies. Vault toilets if needed, and the airstrip was only used twice in the 4 nights we stayed, i think (heard one mid-day, and saw another late morning).
There is a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing, but not enough traffic to cause us any issues getting in. For larger rigs - take the second left (at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around, but still doable.
Guide
Lots of small pullouts on the way up but they were all taken. None of those would work for Starlink.
We went as far as we could in our Ram Promaster till there was a crazy steep and washed out climb. Had to turn around
Legend
Large gravel parking area just outside the border of Mt Ranier NP that’s right off the highway, easy to access in our RV, just have to go slow over the potholes. Zero cell reception for ATT and the Verizon phone was very weak/ practically unusable.
There was an abandoned (ticketed) falling apart trailer, and another trailer camping there. The stay limit here is 14 days, though to me this is more a place if you need a place for the night, rather than a destination.
It’s on the way to Crystal Springs Resort area, which we did not check out.
ScoutThe site offer approximately 10 sites that can be used for tent or RV camping. Moderately spaced from the other sites. Parallels the river. The tent areas are all level, ground mainly dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. We did not hear the road noise. Can’t speak to the condition of the toilets as we didn’t use them. This is a favorite of the locals for fall fishing so you need a reservation…
Traveler
I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.
Traveler
We intended to stay a week, left after 4 days. Could be a beautiful place if not for people.
Pros:
Open space, plenty of room
Beautiful View
Near the park
Cons:
Crowded, even mid week we had close neighbors
Party spot, loud people with loud music
Dirty, we picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at. Much more in the rest of the area.
Road noise, you're literally right off the road
River is nice, but it's a glacial run off so it's definitely not a swimming area (dirty)
Road in is super rough
Again, overall it could be a nice place. We stayed Wednesday through Saturday after labor day. So not "peak" season and the place was absolutely trashed. Feces, TP, beer cans and bottles, food trash, even car parts litter the area. We did a clean up but barely made a dent.
The first night was quiet and then some locals came and you could tell it was a party area. Loud music, dogs off leash, close neighbors.
We ended up leaving Saturday because it just wasn't enjoyable.
TravelerRight off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.
Scout
We stayed here during a couple of days of high heat and needed to plug in and replenish water. We have a 16ft Airstream and stayed in RV site 2. The site was too small for our trailer and the picnic table was wedged between a fire pit and two huge rocks so unusable. There was a total fire ban and the fire pit was not in use but was full of cigarette butts. For $70 per night I would expect a cleaner and better site. We had full hook ups which was nice but no privacy and no shade. It feels like the RV sites are an afterthought here. I wouldn’t recommend. The WiFi was “free” but unreliable and every single time I logged in I had to go through a Free Trial log in. It was really annoying. Access to the Naches River was easy and the fly fishing was glorious and the swimming was great!!
TravelerThis place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.
TravelerWe had a bit of trouble finding it at first (came from the south of white river), but the little shop down the street has WiFi and we weren’t too far from the entrance. Lots of places to camp, friendly visitors, and overall pretty quiet even with the road right there. The river is so peaceful! Bring a ground sheet for your tents, lots of twigs and foliage.
Scout
We reserved #8 too. We arrived shortly after 1:00 which is check in time. There was 10-14 people and kids in our site. 1 women spoke some English and said they were in the free site across the road. I told them we reserved it and to get out. They left a mess of watermelon, cantaloupe, orange peel and egg shells, and water bottles. So of course the hornets we thick but we picked up what we could. They also had a ATV which are not allowed in the campground. I could mention about the Forest Service pickup, parked watching this no doing nothing. But I’ve said enough.
Traveler
The campground is fairly quiet. We parked in space 81 so we could hear the raid noise from Icicle Road. Up in this area, the road is paved but lots 76-87 are gravel. Not a big deal unless it rains as those are on the lower end of a slope. So we got wet when it rained and had a bit of an issue with water pooling next to the electric outlet but the staff was right on it and dug a small trench for the water to drain. Spaces 76-80 didn’t have that issue. We have a 25 foot trailer and that island in the road can be a bit of a problem. Spaces are a bit close together but we were hiking most of the days we were there. The weekend nights were pretty quiet. WiFi and cell service was bad. We use Verizon and pretty much had to go into town for service.
TravelerGreat location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
TravelerThere are a few spots by the river as soon as you turn off of hwy 410 but look to be mostly used for tents and the area was kinda trashed by all the pigs out there that forget how to clean up after themselves. Keep going over the bridge, take the immediate left and you’ll come to an open area on the right up a small hill. It works for a fairly close spot to Mt Rainier but that’s about it. Zero service with ATT and Verizon.
ScoutOverall nice campground, but overpriced for what you get;$45-50 would be more in line with amenities. Staff was very friendly and campground was clean and well kept. To pay for the laundry you must download an app then fund a minimum of$10 even if you don't plan to do that much laundry. WiFi is pretty bad, which is unfortunate if you try to download the laundry app. For this price you would expect a MUCH better WiFi system. T-Mobile cell coverage was basically useless for data. We would stay again in a pinch if hookups needed, but if we get back this way and don't need hookups we will probably try one of the NF campgrounds up the road.
ScoutThere are plenty of space and camping areas. Nice view of the river. A bot crowed around the weekend
Traveler
I loved this spot for a quick overnight. I got a spot right next to the river and there were almost no people there. There is a lot of trash so next time Is bring some gloves and trash bags to help clean up any space I stay in. If we all do a little it will help.
Scout
I was unhappy we could not find this place on Hipcamp.
I was excited to find it on dyrt.com
I am sad the former owner emailed me to explain he had sold it to a neighbor and it is not available.
If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend, Ellensburg, Washington, offers several pet-friendly camping options that cater to both you and your pet's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ellensburg, WA is Ellensburg KOA with a 3.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
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