Best Campgrounds near Yakima, WA

The Yakima area in Washington has some good camping spots along the river and in the surrounding hills. Umtanum Campground sits in the Yakima River Canyon with trails nearby and decent fishing access. Many campers use this area as a halfway point when traveling between Idaho and Olympic National Park. You'll likely see deer, birds, and maybe bighorn sheep in the canyon while camping here. The roads to Umtanum stay in good shape most of the year, and most cars can make it without problems. Winter brings snow that sometimes closes or limits access, so it's worth calling ahead from November through March. Reservations become important in summer when the campgrounds fill up, especially on weekends. The camping around Yakima works well for both people who want to relax by the river and those looking to hike or fish during their stay.

Best Camping Sites Near Yakima, Washington (138)

    1. Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Yakima, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 575-2774

    "It’s close to Yakima and great for a place to visit while you’re in “The Palm Springs of Washington”."

    "I head over to Yakima for my sun. This campground never disappoints!

    There are lots of spaces for tents and RVs. Clean and well maintained bathrooms."

    2. Big Pines Campground - Yakima River Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Selah, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    $15 / night

    "Lots of sites, reasonably priced, paved roads, near the Yakima River.  The train on the other side of the river will wake you once or twice during the night.  A great stop from Bend to North Cascades."

    "Right on the Yakima river, fishing. Boating, floating the river. Watching Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Eagles and Pelicans."

    3. Circle H RV Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Yakima, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 457-3683

    4. Roza - Yakima River Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Selah, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    $15 / night

    "Nice "fee" campground on the Yakima River.  This is and ending point for summer rafting trips that start near Ellensburg, WA and a great place for calm water fun. "

    "Great location and 20 min to Yakima or 15 to reds fly shop."

    5. Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon

    10 Reviews
    Ellensburg, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    $38 / night

    "My husband and I don't really ever make our way around the Yakima area, only because the hiking there is more "desert" feel and in the summer the rattlesnakes are out and about."

    "It is a nice split between towns, Ellensburg and Yakima. The hiking is a pleasure in the area, with lots of wildlife. Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times."

    6. Windy Point Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tieton, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $22 / night

    "Hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of spectacular trails near the campground"

    "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."

    7. Ellensburg KOA

    19 Reviews
    Ellensburg, WA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-7616

    "This is right off I90 very convenient but close to freeway so some road noise. I90 is the main east west freeway in Washington. It is right on the river and there's a pool."

    "Super nice sites on the Yakima river. My parents rented a cabin and we're wowwed! Nice folks and awesome scenery. Power and water to tent site. Good cell service and wifi. Hope to stay again soon"

    8. Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza) — Yakima River Canyon

    1 Review
    Selah, WA
    15 miles
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Vantage, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 856-2700

    "This place is close to home for anyone in central Washington, the sites are giant and the views are amazing."

    "This campsite is quiet and has everything you need, full hookups, water, showers, and trails. The campground is small but really clean and nearly every site has a view of the river/lake."

    10. Lmuma Creek Campground - Yakima River Canyon

    1 Review
    Selah, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 665-2100

    $15 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yakima, WA

486 Reviews of 138 Yakima Campgrounds



Guide to Yakima

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Yakima, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Yakima, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Yakima, WA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Yakima, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Yakima, WA is Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Yakima, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Yakima, WA.

What parks are near Yakima, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Yakima, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.