Carved into the walls of the Yakima River Canyon along paved roads that make it accessible even for rigs up to 50 feet, Big Pines is the largest of four BLM campgrounds spread across this stretch of river corridor. With roughly 40 sites compared to the six or so at each of its neighbors, including Lmuma Creek Campground - Yakima River Canyon to the north and Roza - Yakima River Canyon to the south, Big Pines gives campers considerably more room to land. Some sites sit directly on the river. Others are set back with a choice between shade and open sky.
The canyon setting shapes the experience here in ways worth knowing before you arrive. A freight train runs on the opposite bank and will wake most sleepers at least once during the night. Reviewers who came prepared with earplugs found it manageable. Wind picks up after dark. Daytime, the river draws kayakers, anglers, and floaters, while Canyon Road sees light enough traffic in September that cyclists use it comfortably. Bighorn sheep, elk, eagles, and pelicans have all been spotted from camp.
One practical detail comes up repeatedly: there is no potable water on site. "All of them have vault toilets and NONE OF THEM HAVE WATER," notes JP C., referring to all four canyon campgrounds. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service are available. The campground is ADA accessible. During winter, some loops close due to flood risk and picnic tables near the river get relocated to a central area.
Memorial Day through Labor Day, the majority of sites are reservable and fill quickly, especially on weekends. Midweek visits in shoulder season tend to be less crowded. Tent campers should note that walk-in sites have little to no shade while most RV sites are better covered. At $25 per night, with a senior discount available, the campground draws a mix of overnighters passing through between Bend and the North Cascades and those using it as a base for fishing, floating, or hiking nearby trails like Round Mountain and Bear Mountain. Campers looking to compare camping near Selah will find this canyon corridor offers a distinctly different character from the valley floor options to the south.
Big Pines works best for campers who come self-sufficient with water, prepared for train noise, and looking to spend time on or near the Yakima River.
Description
The gentle Yakima River winds for 27 miles through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Washington. This area is popular for wildlife viewing, fishing, and floating the river.
Recreation The Yakima River Canyon is a popular destination for plant and wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, various birds of prey, and mule deer. This section of the river is classified as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, but is catch and release only. One of the most popular summer activities is floating the river, which is a family friendly Class 1 river with no rapids. Rafters often put in at Umtanum and take out at Roza.
Facilities All four BLM-managed recreation sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, nearby dumpsters and vault toilets. Hookups and potable water are not provided. Big Pines campground is where the majority of the campsites are located, and contains two group campsites. Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, and Roza also offer campsites. Umtanum and Roza receive high day-use visitation during the summer months. Roza offers a concrete boat launch. Motorboats are prohibited upstream from Roza.
Reservation Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Pines Campground is located in Washington near Selah
Public CampgroundDirections
From Ellensburg, Washington, take Hwy 821 (Canyon Road) south through the Yakima River Canyon. Big Pines is located at milepost 10.
Coordinates
46.79359257476418 N
120.45616629604979 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 23 min from Yakima, WA
- 1 hr 27 min from Kennewick, WA
- 1 hr 38 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 1 hr 56 min from Seattle, WA
