Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza)
4.30112 reviewsBLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE
Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza)
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 to $30 depending on site type and season. Additional fees apply for late cancellations, changes, and extra vehicles ($10 per vehicle per night).
About this campground
Nestled within the dramatic Yakima River Canyon Recreation Area, Big Pines Campground beckons adventurers year-round with its raw, untamed beauty. This riverside sanctuary offers a back-to-basics camping experience where the gentle murmur of the Yakima River replaces modern amenities. Without hookups or potable water, campers discover a more authentic connection to nature while enjoying world-class floating, fishing expeditions, and encounters with remarkable wildlife that call this canyon home.
Big Pines supports a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and walk-in sites. Group sites are available for larger parties.
Historical SignificanceThis storied canyon holds the distinction of being Washington's first designated State Scenic Byway, a testament to its timeless allure. For countless generations, Native American tribes traversed these ancient corridors, following the life-giving waters of the Yakima River. Early settlers later discovered what indigenous peoples had long known—this canyon offers both passage and sustenance. Today, visitors camp where history layers itself in the very rocks and riversides that have witnessed centuries of human stories.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Big Pines in distinctly different hues. Summer transforms the canyon into a sun-drenched playground where temperatures soar and adventurers flock to the cooling waters of the Yakima. As autumn arrives, the crowds thin and the canyon reveals a quieter personality, with crisp air and golden light creating perfect conditions for contemplative camping. Winter brings a stark, beautiful solitude—cold, dry days offer the canyon almost entirely to yourself, while spring awakens the landscape with moderate temperatures and the return of migrating birds.
ElevationThe campground rests at the canyon floor, where the ancient river has carved its patient path through the surrounding highlands, creating a unique microclimate sheltered by towering cliff walls.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering basalt cliffs rise like ancient sentinels on either side of Big Pines, their dark volcanic faces telling a story millions of years in the making. Along the riverbanks, ribbons of green riparian vegetation create a striking contrast against the desert palette, providing crucial habitat for an astounding array of wildlife. Lucky visitors might spot bighorn sheep navigating impossible cliff faces with ease, while mule deer emerge at dawn and dusk to drink from the river. Bird enthusiasts celebrate this avian paradise where over 200 species have been documented, from golden eagles riding thermals high above to great blue herons stalking the shallows.
Geological RegionBig Pines Campground sits at the heart of one of central Washington's most spectacular geological showcases—the Yakima River Canyon. Here, the persistent Yakima River has spent millennia carving through layer upon layer of Columbia Basin basalt, exposing massive cliff faces that reveal the region's volcanic past. The landscape tells an ancient story of fire and water, where rolling desert hills meet the life-giving river corridor, creating a unique ecosystem where desert and riparian environments dramatically collide. This geological wonderland offers campers a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's history written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible parking and a few paved spots for handicap use are available. Paved pathways exist in some areas.
Sites SizeSites vary in size. Some, like site #4, are described as much larger, while others are small and compact.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited in most sites, though a few, such as campsite #4, are noted for being more secluded.
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites if possible during hot months. Site 4 is recommended for privacy and river access.
Best CampsitesSite 4 is highly rated for privacy and proximity to the river. Sites 1-4 offer river views but vary in size.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 7 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 10 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged near a gravel parking lot, with some walk-in and group sites. Limited shade and close spacing are common.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations available May 1 to Sept 15, after which sites are first-come, first-served.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served outside the reservation season (Sept 16 - April 30).
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Pines offers a variety of recreational activities. The proximity to the Yakima River makes it ideal for fishing, floating, rafting, and canoeing. Hiking opportunities are available nearby, and the surrounding cliffs provide excellent wildlife viewing spots. The campground is a popular choice for those seeking river-related experiences such as tubing and paddling.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible, including trails across the road from the campground that offer views of the river and canyon. Some trails are noted as overgrown.Fishing
Fishing is popular in the Yakima River, which is a 'Blue Ribbon' trout stream. Catch-and-release rules apply.Swimming
The Yakima River allows for swimming, although most campers opt for floating or rafting. Safety measures for swimming are not specified.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported. There is a boat launch available near the campsite.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, and over 200 bird species. The dense population of raptors, including hawks, eagles, and falcons, is a highlight.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the area is open year-round for camping and wildlife viewing.Water Sports
The Yakima River is ideal for water sports such as tubing, rafting, and canoeing. Campers also float the river, making use of designated put-ins and take-outs.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in BLM-approved metal fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not specified, but some reviews complain of late-night noise.
Hazards
General hazardsBe aware of rattlesnakes, bees, poison ivy, and strong summer winds. Train noise is frequent and loud during the night.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Ellensburg (~15 miles) and Yakima (~30 miles). Both cities provide hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 15
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and garbage cans are noted as rarely filling up. Recycling services are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to the Yakima River, providing direct access for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Common complaintsReviews frequently mention limited shade, crowded conditions during summer weekends, and occasional noisy neighbors.
HostHosts are generally well-reviewed, with regular visits to clean sites and assist campers. One review noted they were 'friendly and helpful.'
Campground Map
BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, take I-90 east to Ellensburg Exit 109 (Highway 821 Canyon Road). At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto South Canyon Road. Stay on the road, which will take you south through the Yakima River Canyon. Big Pines campground is located at milepost 9 on the Canyon Road.
State Route 821 provides easy access, paralleling the Yakima River. The road is paved and designated as Washington's first State Scenic Byway, but there is limited cellphone coverage and no potable water.Nearby places
Ellensburg (~15 miles, ~20 minutes), Yakima (~30 miles, ~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Ellensburg (~15 miles) or Yakima (~30 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
112 reviews
Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall reviews are mixed, with a general sentiment around 4.15 out of 5. Campers appreciate the scenic location and proximity to the river but note issues like lack of shade, limited privacy, and occasional noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 112 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers frequently praise the scenic beauty of the Yakima River and surrounding canyon. The clean vault toilets, proximity to the river for rafting and fishing, and friendly camp hosts are also...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include limited shade, lack of privacy, wind and heat during summer, and occasional noise from neighboring campers. Vault toilets, while clean, have occasional odor issues.
Based on 112 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing shade structures and being prepared for wind. Site #4 is noted as one of the best spots for its size and privacy.
Based on 112 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with campers mentioning high heat and crowds. Spring and fall are quieter, with more pleasant weather conditions.
Based on 112 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The wide flowing river and lush lowlands are a distinct contrast to the sun-blasted soaring canyons.' - Tom Pendergast
2. 'Floating the river is pure Heaven.' - Park Avenue
3. 'The campsites are...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is widely regarded as one of the best spots. Larger and more private, it provides easy river access. Campsites #1 and #2 are noted as smaller and less desirable.
Based on 112 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible parking and pathways are available, but some campers note challenges with trailer maneuvering.
Based on 112 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but caution is advised due to poison ivy near the river that pets can transfer to owners.
Based on 112 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025