152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Yakima, Washington range from developed state parks to primitive sites along the Yakima River Canyon, offering campsites near Yakima suited for both tent campers and RVs. Yakima Sportsman State Park offers full-hookup RV sites and tent camping areas with amenities including showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. The canyon corridor features several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds including Roza, Umtanum, Big Pines, and Lmuma Creek, which provide more primitive camping with vault toilets and river access. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies significantly between developed and primitive sites.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region. While Yakima River Canyon campgrounds remain open year-round, higher-elevation sites like Windy Point Campground operate seasonally from May through September. Summer temperatures in the Yakima Valley frequently exceed 90°F, with limited natural shade at many riverside locations. Most developed campgrounds require reservations during peak season, while BLM sites in the canyon typically operate on a first-come basis. Facilities range from full-service state parks to primitive sites with minimal amenities. As one visitor noted, "This is a great State Park that requires a Discovery pass for day use and parking. If you pay for a camp site the parking is included. The showers are by tokens 2 for $1, each token gives you 3 minutes of shower time."
Camping near Yakima varies widely across the region's landscapes, from riverside campsites with prime fly fishing access to shaded sites with full hookups. The Yakima River Canyon provides several campgrounds positioned along calm river bends. Campers seeking full hookups gravitate toward Yakima Sportsman State Park or private RV parks like Circle H Ranch. The Ellensburg KOA offers cabin accommodations for those preferring more comfort. Site privacy differs considerably between campgrounds, with some featuring well-spaced, shaded sites and others offering minimal separation. A camper described Roza as "a great spot on a calm bend in the river" with proximity to fly fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include waterfowl and riparian species at Yakima Sportsman's marshy areas, while the canyon corridor provides habitat for bighorn sheep, eagles, and other native species.
"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."
from $23 - $68 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful drive through the Yakima River Canyon. Some sites are right on the river. Nicely spaced. Choose shade or sunny spots."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $90 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability
ScoutFREE!! NO FEE!! This place has around 20 spots. Some of the spots are on one road right as you enter with a vault toilet. But if you continue and take a right down that road there are more spots and another vault toilet. The larger sites are on this second road.
Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring.
It looks like the road has a closed during the winter but the camping is still open. Snowmobiling to the sites.
GuideDecent size campground. A handful of well sized different areas to choose from. Bathrooms an trash and a fairly good cell signal.
GuideI found this place wonderful. Plenty of places to choose from, if you want you can be next to the river. Right off the road, good cell signal.
ScoutWe attempted to go here. We followed "the dyrt" and then clicked on recreation dot gov link for driving directions which told us to take HWY 12 to SR1200 then SR1000. We even looked it up on google maps and it seemed totally do-able. We'll we made it about 7 miles on SR1000 and came to the top of a very very steep incline. Sent a scout vehicle ahead and they couldn't make it across a big gulley. Saw another small Ford truck attempting to cross towards us at the same area, and they bottomed out and had to turn around. We also had to turn back down SR1000 and go all the way back to HWY 12. We were trying to haul a 24ft travel trailer. Its completely impossible as of 9/2026. Find alternate route, because that SR1000 is dangerous trying to haul a trailer or a camper. Not to mention, the beginning of SR1200 was super narrow and sketchy.
RangerPit toilets clean and stocked. Sites spread out. Only one other camper on a Saturday. Diverse landscape with variety of birds Verizon 2 bars on ridge 1 bar in lower sites. No trash or water.
TravelerWe decided to try out our new Jeep toad as well as invite son/family with his new travel trailer to Yakima Sportsman. There was a bit of reluctance to book on rumors of homeless issues, but we went ahead and I'm glad we did. Other than a couple homeless cars in the day use area, we had no problems in the RV/Travel Trailer camping areas. In fact, we really had no issues anywhere as we walked all over the place. We took the grandkids fishing in the small pond on site. Drove to Sarge Hubbard Park and walked to river to fish, caught a nice trout and set it free. There was a homeless camp across the river from our fishing spot but again it had no impact on our stay. All in all, a very nice get away!
ScoutThe campground is very small and sites are super close together. Law enforcement is pretty present, not sure if that’s an always thing or just today. But if you dont mess with pigs I wouldn’t stay here. It’s pretty tho
TravelerQuiet and well maintained campground. 15 minutes to Rainer NP. Easy access to river. Elk and Deer around campground. Large sites. Would stay at again.
ScoutWas a beautiful spot - road was a bit more narrow and rocky than we expected, but there are a few spots you can pull up before the narrow part of the road. Once you go up, there are a couple spots with really nice views. We were there on a Thursday and no one else was there!
Camping in Yakima WA offers opportunities at elevations ranging from 1,066 feet in the valley to 5,600 feet in nearby mountain areas. The region's semi-arid climate creates distinct camping zones, with Yakima averaging less than 8 inches of rainfall annually. Daytime temperatures in summer frequently reach triple digits at lower elevations, while overnight temperatures can drop dramatically due to the desert climate pattern.
Hiking trails and petroglyphs: The region offers numerous hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. Umtanum Creek Trail crosses a suspension bridge and follows a desert canyon. "The path was really good, clear, and easy to find. There were a few waterfalls, and creeks to cross to just know that your shoes/feet might get a little wet," notes one Umtanum Campground visitor.
Water activities: The Yakima River provides multiple recreation opportunities. "One of our favorites. Right on the Yakima river, fishing. Boating, floating the river. Watching Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Eagles and Pelicans," writes a camper at Big Pines Campground. Several sites offer direct river access for fishing, floating, or simply cooling off during hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing: The transition zone between desert and riparian environments creates diverse wildlife habitat. One camper at Umtanum noted, "Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times. The hiking is a pleasure in the area, with lots of wildlife." Morning and evening hours provide best viewing opportunities for various bird species and mammals native to the region.
River access: Sites situated along the Yakima River remain among the most popular. A visitor to Roza Campground described it as a "Great spot on a calm bend in the river. Great location and 20 min to Yakima or 15 to reds fly shop." Many river sites offer direct water access without steep embankments.
Desert landscape views: The stark beauty of the shrub-steppe environment provides a different camping experience than western Washington forests. "The landscape is really gorgeous and colorful," notes a camper at Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. Sites offer views of basalt cliffs, sagebrush plateaus, and river corridors with minimal light pollution for stargazing.
Proximity to town amenities: Many camping locations provide a balance of outdoor experience while remaining accessible to services. A camper at Yakima Sportsman State Park noted it's "Close to town, nice, quiet clean park. Rangers are very helpful." This accessibility allows campers to resupply or access restaurants without long drives.
Limited shade: Most Yakima area campgrounds feature minimal natural shade. One camper at Big Pines noted, "Large Campground right on the river. very little shade. Vault toilets. Great place to stay for floating the river or fishing." Bringing canopies or other portable shade structures is advisable during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: The region hosts rattlesnakes during warmer months, particularly in rocky areas. "This area is known for rattlesnakes, though so definitely be alert," cautions a camper. Most encounters occur on trails rather than in developed camping areas, but awareness is important throughout the region.
Water availability: Many BLM sites along the Yakima River Canyon do not provide potable water. A camper at Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds noted, "Dry camping only but close to Yakima." Bringing adequate water supplies is essential, especially during hot summer months.
Swimming options: Look for river sites with calm water sections for safer water play. One camper at Windy Point Campground shared, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer open spaces and facilities designed for children. At Yakima Sportsman State Park, a camper noted, "There is plenty of space for kids to play and visibility is high for bike riding. There is a huge group campsite that has bathrooms near it. The surrounding grounds is a park with playground equipment and a huge field."
Educational opportunities: The region offers numerous opportunities to learn about geology, wildlife, and cultural history. "The Ginko Petrified forest has amazing views alongside an interpretive center with cool rock formations and ancient petroglyphs," notes a visitor, providing educational experiences for children during camping trips.
Hookup considerations: Electric and water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. An RVer at Ellensburg KOA advised, "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."
Site selection: Premium riverside sites often fill quickly but offer the best experience. One RVer recommended, "If you get one of the sites in the back and on the river it's actually really nice and spacious! A bit older without the typical amenities, but all I wanted were hookup, big site, and waterfront."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations and wind. A camper noted, "It got really windy at night," while another mentioned temperature extremes requiring preparation for both hot days and cool nights, particularly during spring and fall camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times of year to go camping near Yakima, WA?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather in the Yakima area, with summer bringing hot, dry conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon showcases Eastern Washington's desert climate with hot, windy conditions during summer months, perfect for wildlife watching along the river. Summer temperatures can be quite high, making water-adjacent sites particularly appealing. The South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping area experiences typical Yakima County weather patterns with warm, dry conditions prevailing in summer. Spring brings moderate temperatures and blooming desert flora, while fall offers cooler temperatures and less crowded campgrounds. Winter camping is limited due to cold temperatures and seasonal closures at many sites.
Where are the best campgrounds in Yakima, Washington?
Yakima offers several excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Yakima Sportsman State Park Campground is a popular choice located close to town, making it convenient for visitors. The park features developed campsites with amenities including shower facilities, though availability may vary seasonally. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Windy Point Campground near Naches provides beautiful scenery with basic amenities like water and toilets. The area's diverse landscape, from desert terrain to riverside locations, offers varied camping experiences to suit different preferences. Many campgrounds in the region provide access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching in Eastern Washington's distinctive environment.
Can you camp along the Yakima River?
Yes, the Yakima River offers excellent camping opportunities with several designated campgrounds along its shores. Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds provide riverside camping with options including Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza sites. These campgrounds are particularly popular with fly fishing enthusiasts. Roza - Yakima River Canyon is a fee campground that serves as an ending point for summer rafting trips from Ellensburg, with overnight fees around $15 per car/site. The campgrounds feature established fire pits and BBQ areas, though the surrounding area is very dry during summer months. Nearby train tracks may create some noise, but trains don't typically blow their horns when passing.
How much does camping cost in Yakima campgrounds?
Camping costs in Yakima vary by location and amenities. At Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds, fees run about $7.50 per night with an Access Pass, offering basic dry camping. The Ellensburg KOA, located near the Yakima River, charges premium rates typical of KOA properties ($35-60) but includes amenities like a swimming pool and convenient interstate access. State parks like Yakima Sportsman State Park typically charge $20-35 per night depending on the season and amenities. RV parks generally range from $30-50 nightly, with monthly rates available at some locations. Most public campgrounds along the Yakima River require either a Discover Pass or site-specific fee payment, with some offering self-pay stations at entrance points.
Keep Exploring
