Whether you’re looking to fish, hike, or simply kick back and relax while enjoying the scenery, Yakima Valley has a wide variety of ideal spots to set up camp for your upcoming adventure. If you’re interested in dispersed camping, though, it’s best to do a little research before hitting the trail. We’ve compiled the local rules, regulations, and advice that will best equip you for your next excursion.
What is Dispersed Camping?
Also known as “wild camping,” dispersed camping refers to any form of travel where you set up camp in areas without pre-existing campgrounds. If you’ve been on backcountry camping or overnight hiking trips, you may have gone dispersed camping without realizing it. Dispersed camping makes for a more rustic, self-sufficient adventure, with no access to campsite restrooms, electricity hookups, or running water. You’ll experience a freedom of exploration that you won’t find within the campground map. It’s a great way to explore a new area with the freedom to wander a little further off the beaten path – but don’t forget to learn the local guidelines beforehand to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Yakima’s Local Rules and Regulations
Where to Camp
To follow Leave No Trace principles, try to find a site where it’s clear someone has camped before. Look for flattened ground or a small clearing where plant life won’t be disturbed or destroyed by your tent and accompanying gear. Many dispersed campsites are listed on the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management maps of your area, so you don’t have to worry about wandering too far to find the ideal campsite.
Looking for a few tried-and-true dispersed sites in the Valley? Here are a few of our favorites.
- L.T. Murray Wildlife Area (Joe Watt Canyon)
- Location: 47.06659256 N 120.74846736 W
- Fees: Discover Pass required
- South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping (Rimrock Lake)
- Location: 46.597307 N 121.211183 W
- Fees: $8/night fee per vehicle
- Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook (Vantage Overlook)
- Location: 47.0310322613624 N 119.95411114252813 W
- Fees: Discover Pass required
Length of Stay
Within Washington state, you’re allowed to camp in a dispersed site for up to two weeks (fourteen days) within a four-week window. After those two weeks are over, if you still want to extend your adventure, you’ll need to move at least five miles away from your first campsite for the two-week period to reset. Be aware of the length of your stay so you can do your part to help the ecosystem rest and allow other campers to enjoy the area.
Your Dispersed Camping Checklist
Do:
- Double-check burn bans in the area you decide to explore– be extremely cautious when handling any kind of fire.
- Plan for the worst so you can experience the best by bringing all the necessary equipment for total self-sufficiency: reliable water purification filters as well as at least five gallons of potable water, bear-proof storage canisters for food, a portable toilet or plenty of waste-containment bags for trash and human waste, and a satellite communication device that operates without cell service, like the Garmin Inreach.
- Ensure your shelter is suitable for the local weather conditions. For example, hammocking is a great lightweight and low-fuss option if you’ll be in a well-treed area out of any rain. If you expect to be in full sun, pack a tent or pitch a tarp shelter for extra shade.
- Check the forecast and pack your clothing appropriately!
- Even if you’re not planning to go far off the main road, always have backup navigational tools ready. Download the Google Maps view or the Forest Service map of your area so you can access it offline, and print out a hard copy as well.
- Always follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Pack out everything you’ve packed in– including all trash, waste, and camp residue. This includes disposing of human waste, either buried in a hole at least 200 feet from any water source, or contained and packed out with the rest of your camp.
Don’t:
- Set up camp closer than 200 feet away from any water source. This helps reduce contamination on the national level and preserve our ecosystems.
- Drink untreated water. Bring along purification tablets or filters to ensure you stay safe and hydrated.
- Do not disturb the local wildlife or destroy any flora. Remember Leave No Trace and help keep our camping areas in all their natural beauty for the next adventure!
After just a little bit of research and preparation, dispersed camping is a simple and accessible way to explore more of the Valley and its surrounding area, and have a great adventure while you’re at it. The bottom line? Stay safe, and have fun!
