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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.
From Ellensburg, Washington, take Hwy 821 (Canyon Road) south through the Yakima River Canyon. Roza is located at milepost 7.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250985?tab=seasons
Day use seems fine, but it's not what I look for in an overnight camp. BLM daily or annual pass needed. America the Beautiful and Golden Age passes can also be used. Camping fees; sometimes sites can be reserved other times of the year they are first come first served. Paved parking with many stalls; stalls also for boat trailers Fire rings and grates. Charcoal BBQ stands. Paved boat launch. Vault toilets. No drinking water.
The water was dirty and dog poop wasn’t picked up . It was noisy and small but if you have jet skies definitely a good spot. Not worth the $5 because the Discovery park pass wasn’t valid. Went a mile down the street and found a better place.
As a local who grew up coming here since I was little, then brought my son. I have a lot of wonderful memories of the "good old days" when it was a peaceful camp site with respectful campers. Since the development of the camp area and yes this site and social media......it's become a party destination for many campers that don't clean up, party all night and vandalism. I miss the "good old days" But I still go in the off season or drive by in the summer. I do think the bathroom could be built out to accommodate so many people, dog poop is a problem, and I would bring my own picnic table! Remember no electricity or water supply.
Great little campground with 6 spots that fit 10 people each (per their rules). Flat spots without rocks right by the river. No potable water but reasonably well-maintained pit toilets.
Do note that at this site (as well as for the other sites in the campground) the rail line is on the other side of the river, and a few freight trains came through during our one-night stay. Some trucks on the road as well, but not crazy.
Also they seem to come by pretty early checking if you pay (8 am). Looked like they had a credit card reader but we didn’t try it.
Would stay again!
Never camped here but great place to stop and stretch, use the restroom, let the dogs get a drink, and take pictures.
Bird watching.
End of the line for water recreation like rafting, kayaks, paddleboards.
