Best Campgrounds near Selah, WA
Campgrounds near Selah, Washington span diverse terrains from the Yakima River Canyon to the forests of Mount Rainier National Park. The region includes established campgrounds like Yakima Sportsman State Park with full hookups for RVs, while the Yakima River Canyon features multiple Bureau of Land Management sites including Umtanum, Roza, Big Pines, and Lmuma Creek campgrounds. Most camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few sites like Ellensburg KOA offering cabin rentals. The eastern Washington landscape transitions from desert conditions near water bodies to forested mountain settings at higher elevations.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with many sites along the Yakima River open year-round, while mountain campgrounds typically operate from late spring through fall. Yakima Sportsman State Park operates from April to November, and mountain campgrounds like Windy Point maintain a shorter season from May to September. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends when riverside sites fill quickly. Washington state parks require a Discover Pass for day use, while many BLM sites in the Yakima River Canyon charge camping fees. A visitor noted, "Eastern Washington near the water is my favorite type of landscape. It's a hot, windy, and a true desert climate. When you get near a body of water like you do along the Yakima River, the diversity of life expands."
The Yakima River provides a central feature for many campgrounds in the region, with sites receiving consistently positive reviews for fishing, rafting, and swimming access. Campgrounds in the canyon offer basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but limited or no hookups, potable water, or showers. Many sites near the river remain open through multiple seasons due to the moderate climate of the region. Travelers should note the proximity of some campgrounds to major highways, which can create noise issues. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This campground is one little loop with six sites. The loop is an offshoot of a very large gravel parking area for day use. Mostly boat launching and hiking access to Umtanum Creek and Umtaum Ridge trails." Wildlife viewing opportunities include bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
