Big Pines

Star4.30
240 reviews
BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE
Scenic ViewsFishing

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Wenatchee Field Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Pines
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 to $30 depending on site type and season. Additional fees apply for late cancellations, changes, and extra vehicles ($10 per...
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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

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Provider
509-665-2100blm_or_sp_yrc@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 240 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

crowded

"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."

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Campground Map

BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE

Big Pines

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).

Best Time to Camp at Big Pines

Each 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: hot, windy and crowded; river provides cooling but comfort and privacy issues reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter with more pleasant weather; good river access and fewer crowds reported.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Spring is quieter and milder, good for wildlife viewing and pleasant river activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round but winter offers fewer boating opportunities; fewer crowds but limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations available May 1 to Sept 15, after which sites are first-come, first-served.

About Big Pines

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 7 days.

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.
HikingHiking 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.
FishingFishing is popular in the Yakima River, which is a 'Blue Ribbon' trout stream. Catch-and-release rules apply.
SwimmingThe Yakima River allows for swimming, although most campers opt for floating or rafting. Safety measures for swimming are not specified.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported. There is a boat launch available near the campsite.
Wildlife viewingThe 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBe aware of rattlesnakes, bees, poison ivy, and strong summer winds. Train noise is frequent and loud during the night.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Pines

Reviews

4.3
240 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big Pines 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 240 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...
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Based on 240 reviews

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 240 reviews

Pro 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 240 reviews

Seasonal 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 240 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 240 reviews

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 240 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and pathways are available, but some campers note challenges with trailer maneuvering.
Based on 240 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but caution is advised due to poison ivy near the river that pets can transfer to owners.
Based on 240 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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