Bighorn Campground

The Bighorn Campground is nestled along the Yakima River in Ellensburg, Washington, and provides excellent riverfront access and camping. It is located near mile marker 22 on Canyon Road and managed by Canyon River Ranch, located 7 miles south of the campground. Abundant water recreation opportunities makes this primitive, dispersed campground well worth it.

River access directly from this campground provides for access to abundant fishing on the Yakima River as well as river floats. River floats on the Yakima River are fun, popular, and you can start directly from the campground. Boat and raft rentals can be obtained through Canyon River Ranch or Red's Fly Shop in Ellensburg. Canyon River Ranch provides a shuttle service if you do not have two cars. Rates range from $35 to $50.

Rattlesnake Dance Ridge hiking trail is 0.3 mile away and provides beautiful views of the Yakima River and canyon. If you are a wine enthusiast, Ellensburg Canyon Winery is also 1 mile away from the campground.

The campground is only accessed through a locked gate, and a temporary code will be provided to you on the day of your reservation. Day-use access for boat launch is allowed and uses the same process for access to the campground. The campground consists of 39 primitive sites with no running water and port-a-potties for bathroom facilities, which are clean and regularly maintained. Campground reservations do not include boat launch access, which costs $10 per vehicle per day.

RVs are allowed in this campground; however, note that there is a really tight turn toward the end of the campground. Rigs longer than 28 feet if being towed are not recommended, nor are any fifth wheelers as clearance will be an issue. The speed limit within the campground is 5 miles per hour, and the road is very narrow and bumpy in certain areas.

At Bighorn Campground, sites 4, 16, 18, 30, 35 and 36 are good riverfront sites to note for travel trailers and RVs with good pull-through clearance or minimal maneuvering. Site 29 is also a good private and riverfront site but may require some maneuvering. Pets are welcomed but must be leashed and picked up after. Please also be aware of rattle snakes.