Top Free Dispersed Camping near Yakima, WA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Yakima? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Yakima, WA (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Yakima

42 Reviews of 21 Yakima Campgrounds


  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    My home away from home

    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.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 44 Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    FS Road 44 Dispersed

    Secluded

    Could not find the spot in the previous review. They must have parked off the highway. Multiple spots to camp. We went a little further in for a more secluded area and barely had any traffic. Would stay here again.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campgrounds
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Clear Lake Campgrounds

    Very loud neighbors!!

    We camped specifically at the Indian Creek Dispersed sites. There is a collection of camp grounds in this surrounding area, so I wouldn’t be concerned about finding a spot.

    The views are incredible, beautiful grounds. Sadly the sites were covered in trash, people were riding quads and chainsawing until 2am, as well as yelling and loud music.

    We did come on a weekend so it got very busy.

  • Adam K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campgrounds
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Clear Lake Campgrounds

    Depends on the day of the week

    If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake.

    But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found. They leave trash everywhere, play music and shoot guns late into the night, and don't respect boundaries whatsoever. I had multiple people drive right into my campsite and park 10 feet from my rig, walk through camp yelling and playing music, you name it.

    So, four stars because the place is amazing - but choose your timing wisely.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 44 Dispersed
    Jul. 17, 2024

    FS Road 44 Dispersed

    Awesome spots along the river!

    The road goes awhile in both directions, there were a lot of pull offs and we just picked one. The one we picked had obvious fire rings and had been recently camped, there was also human feces not too far in the foods , GROSS. Other than that I loved this stay because of the beauty.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds

    Popular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.

    I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.

  • F
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

    A good getaway from the crowd

    This, like the other spots in Frenchman Coulee, is seldom empty, but it's much less packed than the areas closer to the climbing. This spot offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind. If you're going for the rugged feel, this'll do it. OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here.

  • Sydney D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Rock Wilderness
    Apr. 28, 2024

    Goat Rock Wilderness

    Goat Rock wilderness Rocks!

    There are about 9 fire circles around the lake and there are planting of areas to camp without fire circles. It was raining all day Saturday but when we got there at 1 in the afternoon, there were already 7 groups there..that’s how awesome the site is! You have to hike out 5 miles but there is not too much up and down elevation change. The trailhead is about 5 miles up a National Park Service Road and was pretty well kept.. aka no huge rocks, no trees down, no potholes. I could easily get a mini bus up there.

  • Josh B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Primitive - no water/restrooms/rough road

    I made it up to the lake in July.  There were too many ppl for the small campground on this weekend.  Surprised because the road was very rough and there is no water/electricity and there are only two picnic tables.  Beautiful!!!  It's just very out of the way and it's first come first serve and you never know when there will be too many ppl.  There are only 5 sites on the lake.  Good luck getting a camping site because it's a long road back out if the campground is full.

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

    Amazing hidden gem!

    Waterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campgrounds
    Jul. 14, 2023

    Clear Lake Campgrounds

    Beautiful Area

    Very beautiful spot. Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!

  • Mandi W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rimrock - South Fork Bay Dispersed Camp
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Rimrock - South Fork Bay Dispersed Camp

    Nice spot on the creek, coordinates are off

    This is a really cool spot right on the creek and close to Mt rainier. The coordinates given here do not take you to this campground. Keep going north of these coordinates and very soon you will see a sign that says Rimrock recreation area on the right if you’re headed north (side of the road closest to the creek) turn down there and go a ways until you come to a forest road on your right. It will be pretty obvious it’s a campground when you turn in by the signage (that I have included in my pictures) and there are lots of spots if you go through. The road is very rocky and high clearance does best but we did get our minivan in there fine with some maneuvering.

  • Patrick W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula / Rimrock Boat Launch
    Jun. 4, 2023

    Peninsula / Rimrock Boat Launch

    Looks beautiful at first.

    Driving in pulling up I was taken a back by how beautiful this place was. Then when we finally found a place, I was reminded of how much people suck. There was trash and toilet paper everywhere you look. It got really crowded and there were 2 parties within earshot. People were doing donuts and making huge dust clouds that would cover everything in dust. There were shoes and articles of clothing left everywhere. I suppose if you like that sort of thing, then cool. I was just looking for some peace and quiet.

  • Jeffrey R.
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 3, 2023

    South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping

    Nice, but dirty

    Privacy can be had if you take your time and find a good spot. However, be prepared to clean up behind the hooligans.

    If people would just take care of stuff, this could be an awesome place.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    Aug. 31, 2022

    Vernita Bridge

    Awesome Spot

    I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Dispersed
    Jul. 23, 2022

    Fish Creek Dispersed

    Best spot at the lake

    I camp here every year and it’s always tough to get the spot you want unless you get there by Thursday. It’s $8 per car and there are several spots to throw up a tent or hammocks. Getting in can be tough as the road is dirt and used for wheeling in the off-season so be careful if your car is low. There is a vaulted toilet and trash cans, but we usually just use the woods as we camp further from the one outhouse. There is one picnic table at the spot, but it moves from site to site. “Whoever gets it first” kind of thing. There is great fishing here, however you can’t fish in the river, you have to fish either in the lake/reservoir or further upstream because the camping area is a breading zone for an endangered fish. There is a boat launch about 1-2 miles away on the other side of the peninsula. There is a bridge we normally jump off, however they have signs up saying it’s not permitted. As long as you’re being safe, nobody cares. As far as drinking water, it’s not available at the site, but there is a natural spring down the road about a mile and a half. It’s clean and drinkable. We normally fill our bottles there before and during. Very few people know about the spring, though it’s just off to the side of the road on the way. This site is relatively close to stores as once you hit Hwy 12, you’re only within 20 minutes either direction of a gas station or general store. I’ll update with more pictures next time we go.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from L.T. Murray Wildlife Area
    Jun. 16, 2022

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Close the gate after you

    We weren’t sure as to our ability to get in, as when we pulled up there was a ranger driving a UTE on the other side of the fence, and we thought for sure he’d tell us that we couldn’t get it. But he was so nice, and even told my wife that he’d close the gate behind us after we entered. I’ve read that a parka pass is needed for this place, but we did not have one. The ranger did not look for or question about one, and off we went. Dirt rocky road, steep in areas, and 4x4 not necessary, but a higher clearance sure seems as if it is. We drove about 20 minutes and started to see pull offs for camping, and finally decided on on with the most amazing view of the cascade mountains. Thinking we’d see wildlife, as there was signs of it all over…. Scat, all different kinds, my dog found a lower leg and hoof of maybe a large deer, and a recently killed snake. But as of our first night nothing living and breathing. Att and Verizon were both 3 strong bars, but tv reception was nothing with our little average sized antenna. The trails were thick and lush with greenery and flowers, it being mid June and there has been plenty of rain. Not another soul in site, and only the sounds of nature around us.

  • Alex B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    As dispersed as it gets

    Absolutely beautiful area. Plenty of campsites around the small lake that are right up next to the water, but to get the good spots, It's first come first serve. The water is pretty cold and crystal clear when we were up there at the beginning of June. 

    Things to expect:

    You're about two hours away from any cell service. 

    The road to get up is all rocks and off-road going up a mountain. 4x4 with traction tires is a must. Kit up. Have a satellite phone, and expect to drive through snow up there at the beginning of June.

  • Jennifer R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Vernita Bridge
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Vernita Bridge

    Great for Boat Fishing

    Discover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.

  • Pamela R.
    Camper-submitted photo from L.T. Murray Wildlife Area
    Jun. 19, 2021

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Gorgeous!

    After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro. We drove up a rocky dirt road, single lane with pull outs, for about 20 mins. Passing only a few other campers along the way. Sites are very spread out and private. Wildflowers were amazing!



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Yakima, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yakima, WA is L.T. Murray Wildlife Area with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Yakima, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Yakima, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.