Go camping amid lush and green Pacific Northwest forests and river canyons near Ellensburg.
In the heart of Central Washington, 100 miles east of Seattle along I-90, Ellensburg serves as a terrific base camp. Several local companies offer guided horseback riding tours, a great way to get into the right mindset for the Ellensburg Rodeo every Labor Day weekend. Or dive right into nature in the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which is home to over 150 campgrounds across its nearly four million acres of big pines and pristine wilderness. Choose from bookable RV campsites with full hookups and modern amenities like picnic tables, or more rustic tent camping options on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers are also welcome to use the Horseshoe Cove and Rimrock Lake boat launches for trout fishing and watersports like kayaking, tubing, and wake surfing. Head south out of Ellensburg via Ringer Loop Road to reach the Yakima River Canyon near Umtanum. Enjoy the calmness of Helen McCabe State Park while in the area. Nearby, private RV parks offer free wifi and convenient river access in a tranquil setting.