State Park
Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Ellensburg, WA
$38.00 /night
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
$38.00
Per Night
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About
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985?tab=seasons
Overview
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.
Natural Features
Within the Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds there are four developed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites with river access: Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, and Roza. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the massive basalt cliffs, rolling desert hills, riparian vegetation, and the cool water of the Yakima River.
Nearby Attractions
The cities of Ellensburg and Yakima, Central Washington University, and Cowiche Canyon trails are near by. Umtanum recreation site offers a footbridge to cross the Yakima River and access to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands on the west side of the river.
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Umtanum Ridge Crest Trail
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7.4 km645 mgain
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Umtanum Creek Canyon Trail
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13.2 km323 mgain
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Umtanum Ridge Road
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6.9 km229 mgain
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Baldy Mountain
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6.8 km657 mgain
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Umtanum Creek Falls Trail
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2.9 km56 mgain
Easy
Altapes Creek Interpretive Trail [CLOSED]
Washington
2.1 km23 mgain
Easy
