Camping options around Selah, Washington include several small to mid-sized sites in the Yakima River Canyon region. Situated in an arid high desert climate that averages less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most sites in this area operate year-round due to the relatively mild winters compared to higher-elevation locations in the Cascades.
What to do
Fishing access: Big Pines Campground provides direct riverfront access for fishing enthusiasts. "Right on the Yakima river, fishing. Boating, floating the river. Watching Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Eagles and Pelicans," notes camper Theresa S.
Wildlife viewing: The canyon landscape creates natural corridors for wildlife movement. "We saw Bighorn sheep on the hill, big rock squirrels, wild turkeys with babies, and fish," reports a camper at Umtanum Campground.
Hiking options: Multiple trails originate near camping areas. "The hiking was great, so much beautiful greenery and trees! The campground was 'okay.' It wasn't really that well kept, a little dirty and no toilet paper in the gross porta-potty style toilet," explains a visitor at Windy Point Campground.
Water recreation: The Yakima River offers multiple access points for water activities. "Large Campground right on the river. Very little shade. Vault toilets. Great place to stay for floating the river or fishing, located in the beautiful Ellensburg canyon on the Yakima river," explains a reviewer about Big Pines.
What campers like
River proximity: Sites along the water are particularly valued. "We stayed at site #1 which is adjacent to the boat launch. The site we stayed was right by the river and across from the one outhouse that was open," explains Emma A. about Big Pines Campground.
Accessibility: Some sites are designed for ease of access. "You'll be close to handicapped parking spaces and have sidewalk access to your campsite, making this a great choice for campers with disabilities or mobility limitations. The restrooms are nice, too. They're pit toilets, but well-maintained and plenty of room to maneuver a walker or wheelchair inside," reports a visitor at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground.
Tent-friendly areas: Not all sites focus exclusively on RVs. "The 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," notes camper "huckleberry" about Umtanum.
Climate variance: The region offers different experiences depending on timing. "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," shares Jason S. about Windy Point.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be extreme. "It was pretty dang hot here in the summer, more of a desert type of feel. We were super worried about rattlesnakes because we heard this part of Washington has tons during the summer, but luckily we didn't see any," explains a visitor at Windy Point Campground.
Limited amenities: Most canyon campgrounds lack running water. "BLM used to let camping be free during the off season but now charges $15 per night, no matter the site type. There is no water here," explains Ryan L. regarding Big Pines.
Wind conditions: Weather patterns can create challenging conditions. "Very beautiful setting but super windy," states Lai La L. about Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.
Pet-friendly requirements: While pet friendly camping near Selah, Washington is widely available, specific rules apply. "This is a BLM recreation area. So no electric, water, or sewage dump. But what a clean and well run place," notes Shawn A. about Roza Campground, which like other BLM sites requires pets to remain leashed.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Seek out shallower sections for children. "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," mentions Jason S. about Windy Point.
Playground access: Some sites include recreational facilities. "My sunny spot!!! This is one of my favorite campgrounds!! There are lots of spaces for tents and RVs. There is plenty of space for kids to play and visibility is high for bike riding. The surrounding grounds is a park with playground equipment and a huge field," shares Mary C. about Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Geological sites offer learning experiences. "Just down from the interpretive center, on the river banks, is a nice little campground. It's not very remote or wild, but it is a good place to pop open your tent if you're hoping to do some kayaking," explains a camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal booking: Advance planning is essential during peak periods. "If there's a concert at the Gorge don't even try here as it will be a full party palace. Can be very windy," cautions a reviewer about Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground.
Utility connections: Check which hookups are available. "We ended up driving 500 miles total in four days, and spent almost exactly $100 on gas. Looking at our receipts, we averaged 14.5 miles per gallon driving mostly through mountains on a combination of highway and small-town roads," shares an RV camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest.
Site selection: Position within campgrounds varies significantly. "Upper loop is more sage brushy & less manicured lawn than the lower loop. Great views and pretty private spots," notes reviewer "Mels" about Ginkgo Petrified Forest.
Traveler
