Yakima's desert landscape sits at 1,066 feet elevation in Washington's rain shadow, creating a camping environment distinct from the state's western region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights often dip below freezing. The area receives just 8 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for campers seeking dry conditions during peak season from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Windy Point Campground offers excellent trail options near the Tieton River. "Activities that campers can enjoy at this campground are hiking fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking," notes Deborah W., who also mentions "white water paddling on the Tieton River" for summer visitors.
Lake activities: Bumping Lake Campground provides water recreation on a five-mile-long lake. "The lake is within a short walk from the camp sites. They also let you scrounge around for your own firewood from fallen trees and branches," explains Katie O. Another visitor adds, "There is a boat dock right near the campground. A small general store is open until 5pm."
Winter sports options: The Tieton area transforms during winter months. According to a reviewer at Windy Point, the area "offers excellent skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling during the winter months." Campers staying at Whispering Pines RV Campground can use it as a base for winter activities, with one visitor noting they'll "look to book summers for kayaking and winters for snowshoeing."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Hause Creek Campground offers varied privacy between sites. One camper reports, "Sites 9-12 are reservable, walk in and right against the river. The river was running high while we were there, so it drowned out most of the road noise." Another notes, "Site 12 has the best privacy and easy, level beach access, with a large hill on one side and smaller one on the other."
Water proximity: Glamping close to Yakima, Washington often includes waterfront options. At Walupt Lake Campground, "Sites 9-12 has room for 2 cars in the parking area" while "Amazing camp site with a good amount of lakeside camps. Staying in site 41 to 44 guarantees amazing sunrise and sunset views. The lake water is crystal clear."
Smaller crowds: Some Yakima area camping spots remain less crowded. At Rimrock Lake Resort, one visitor mentions, "we stayed during the week, so there wasn't anybody there. We really got to take it in." Another notes it "had availability when I called less than a week in advance and was not super busy when we were there."
What you should know
Road noise factors: Several campgrounds report highway noise. At Hause Creek, a visitor explains that "This campground sits right off of hwy 12. The sites were a little over grown when we were there. The pit toilets were clean." Another camper notes that "Any site away from the river would have highway noise."
Weather variations: Temperature swings can be significant in the Yakima region. At Bumping Lake Campground, one camper advises to "Always windy and temps drop at night even after warm days so dress accordingly." Near Yakima, a visitor experienced extreme conditions: "It was pretty dang hot here in the summer, more of a desert type of feel."
Water conditions: Lake levels and river flows vary seasonally. At Walupt Lake, "The lake is pristine, calm and gorgeous. Easy to kayak," while at Hause Creek during high water, "only allowed for a few rocks to sit on. When the river is running lower it looks like it would have a nice beach area."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rimrock Lake Resort offers dedicated play areas for children. "Great for kids, big playground and easy walk near lake," notes Brian P. Another camper at Whispering Pines mentions "tons of things for the kids to do" and describes it as having a "big play area for kids, lake looked big, same with dog park."
Kid-friendly sites: Certain campgrounds cater better to families with young children. At Yakima Sportsman State Park, one visitor explains, "There is plenty of space for kids to play and visibility is high for bike riding." Another mentions it's a "Great family spot" where "some sites don't have any privacy but other have plenty."
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer safe water access for children. At Windy Point, one visitor shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Squaw Rock RV Resort has specific utility arrangements. "Single utility service serves two sites. The water spigot has a Y splitter to share a single water connection. Power has one 30 Amp and one 50 Amp socket. The first rig arriving gets to choose which one they want to use," explains one RVer who stayed in a motorhome.
Site sizes: RV site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Whispering Pines, "The sites are level and fairly well spaced. It is open in some areas, so not a ton of privacy in some of the sites." For larger rigs, "I've got a crew cab long bed with a 26' trailer, little tight but had a little extra room."
Seasonal considerations: For RV glamping close to Yakima, climate control matters. One visitor notes, "Nice for over night concert going experience. Dry camping, bring a generator if you need power for A/C, in summer you will need A/C." The desert climate makes temperature management crucial during summer months.
