How much does camping cost at Big Pines?

Camping fees at Big Pines are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Pines first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Pines accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Pines before I book?

Yes! Big Pines has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Pines?

Big Pines is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Pines?

Big Pines does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Pines?

Fire policies at Big Pines: Fires are only allowed in BLM-approved metal fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Pines have?

Big Pines has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Pines?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Pines. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Pines?

Big Pines offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Pines?

Popular activities at Big Pines include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Pines

4.27

240 reviews

BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE

Top 13% in WASpring

C-Report Card

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Wenatchee Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,289 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on BLM Wenatchee Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Big Pines

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00; WALK TO NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

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Provider

509-665-2100blm_or_sp_yrc@blm.gov

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Campground Map

BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE

Big Pines

BLM WENATCHEE FIELD OFFICE, 915 WALLA WALLA AVENUE

Nearby places

Ellensburg (~15 miles, ~20 minutes), Yakima (~30 miles, ~35 minutes)

Weather at Big Pines

Current alerts(15)

All visitors are required to pay and display on their vehicle(s) valid permits for overnight ($15.00 per night) or day use ($5.00 per day).Washington State Discover Passes are NOT valid on BLM-managed lands.
Be aware of rattlesnakes, bees and poison ivy.
Campsites are limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site.
Campsites will only be held until checkout time (11am) the next day. If reservation holder doesn't show up by then, the site is released.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pines

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, thinning crowds, and striking canyon color — cottonwoods and riverbank willows turn gold against the dark basalt cliffs. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C), with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C), making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. River access remains good into September and October for floats and fishing, and the lower visitation after Labor Day means quieter campsites and better Peak months: October, September, May, April

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 13% in WA

Spring is quieter with pleasant weather and good wildlife viewing opportunities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Big Pines

Big Pines sits along the Yakima River Canyon in Washington's foothills, managed by the BLM Wenatchee Field Office. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping options with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use the site as a base for river access, fishing, hiking the canyon trails, and watching wildlife along the water corridor.

Big Pines supports a variety of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and walk-in sites. Group sites are available for larger parties.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, thinning crowds, and striking canyon color — cottonwoods and riverbank willows turn gold against the dark basalt cliffs. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (12–24°C), with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C), making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. River access remains good into September and October for floats and fishing, and the lower visitation after Labor Day means quieter campsites and better Peak months: October, September, May, April

Elevation1289 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMassive basalt cliffs frame both sides of the campground, their layered faces exposing the Columbia Basin's volcanic past. The Yakima River cuts through this ancient stone, carving a canyon where desert sagebrush hills meet green ribbons of cottonwoods and willows along the water. Bighorn sheep navigate the cliff faces. Mule deer appear at dawn and dusk. Over 200 bird species have been documented here, from golden eagles riding thermals to great blue herons in the shallows. The collision of desert and riparian ecosystems creates habitat diversity you don't find in many campgrounds. Shade is scarce. Most sites sit exposed to sun and wind, though a few cottonwoods provide limited relief near the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available at Big Pines.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and a few paved spots for handicap use are available. Paved pathways exist in some areas.

Site SizeSites vary in size. Some, like site #4, are described as much larger, while others are small and compact.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited in most sites, though a few, such as campsite #4, are noted for being more secluded.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites if possible during hot months. Site 4 is recommended for privacy and river access.

Best CampsitesSite 4 gets consistent praise for being larger, more secluded, and close to the river. Sites 1-4 offer river views, though they vary significantly in size. Privacy is limited across most of the campground.

Need help booking Big Pines?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no hookup services and no potable water. Cellphone coverage is limited.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Pines

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Supports floating, rafting and canoeing/kayaking; boat launch for non‑motorized craft available.

Hiking3.0/5

Trails accessible, including across the road with canyon and river views, but no extensive trail network noted.

Swimming3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Cliffs, river, fall colors, wildlife and night skies make the site highly photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Pines

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From Booking Sources

4.3

240 reviews

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...

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

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Big Pines

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00; WALK TO NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-665-2100blm_or_sp_yrc@blm.gov

Go if

You want river access for fishing or boating in a scenic canyon setting without spending much.

Skip if

You need shade cover or prefer solitude during busy summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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(219)

Yakima Sportsman State Park

Washington State Parks, Washington

Yakima Sportsman State Park sits along the Yakima River at 1,007 feet, offering 81 campsites with full hookups and access to wetlands, ponds, and a riverside dike trail. The grounds and natural features draw consistent praise, but security concerns. Including reported thefts and transient activity. Are significant enough that multiple reviewers recommend locking up bikes and valuables.

Big Pines

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Big Pines

Campground Map

Weather at Big Pines

Current alerts(15)

Best Time to Camp at Big Pines

Planning Tips

About Big Pines

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Pines?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big Pines

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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How campers graded it

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Directions

Fees

Ask Camp Sage about Big Pines

Current alerts(15)

Best Time to Camp at Big Pines

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Pines?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Pines

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews