Originally home to the Yakima Native Americans and a stopping point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Yakima, Washington, is rich in history and culture. Today, Yakima has a population of about 97,000 people. The area is known for its stunning natural scenery and lively downtown area. Many people flock to Yakima to explore its beautiful landscape and the abundance of recreational activity opportunities. Visitors will find many options for nearby hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, camping, swimming, fishing, and boating.
Yakima and the surrounding area are well-known for their prolific apple crops, and many visitors choose to spend a day enjoying one of the city’s orchards, such as Johnson’s Orchards, or sampling apple products. Visitors interested in cooking, dining, or the area’s agricultural influence can also visit the Yakima Farmers’ Market, which showcases some of the city’s best produce and handmade goods. The nearby Cowiche Canyon Trail and the Yakima Area Arboretum & Botanical Garden also make excellent stops for anyone who enjoys exploring outdoor attractions. Many people also choose to stroll or bike along the Yakima Greenway, a paved path that stretches for about 20 miles through the city and connects several of the area’s most beloved natural attractions.
The Yakima area also offers plenty of options for fine dining and indoor entertainment. The Yakima Valley Museum is a fantastic place to learn more about the city’s history, as well as the history and culture of the people who once inhabited the area. Visitors can also take in a show at the Capitol Theater or enjoy a light meal and a wine tasting at Kana Winery.
Many visitors to Yakima opt to camp at Yakima Sportsman State Park. The park offers 67 RV sites, and full hookups are available. Camping starts at $25 per night and ranges to $45 per night. Visitors will have access to an on-site playground, and there are also plenty of nearby hiking trails.
The Trailer Inns RV Park of Yakima is another great option for RV camping. The park is designed for large trailers, so even the biggest RVs can be accommodated. Each campsite has a small lawn and shaded area, and many sites have picnic tables. There are 135 sites, and rates start at just $32 per night. Full hookups are available, and the park also offers showers, a playground, and a laundry area.
The Windy Point Campground in Naches is a splendid option for anyone looking for a quieter, more secluded camping experience. Each of the 12 RV sites at the campground offers shady oak trees and picnic tables. Daily rates start at only $14, and although hookups are not available, potable water is.
Located along the Wanapum Reservoir, Wanapum State Park offers activities for everyone to enjoy. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are some of the most popular options, but there are also many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, or observing and photographing wildlife. The park also provides an Interpretive Center where visitors can learn more about the area’s geology and history. Wanapum State Park is about an hour from Yakima.
Brooks Memorial State Park is also about an hour from Yakima. This state park offers incredible views and many photo opportunities on its 682 acres. Cabins are sprinkled throughout the park, so visitors can choose to camp almost anywhere they like. There are also many options for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The area is also home to a thriving bird population, making it a great choice for birdwatching enthusiasts. Other wild animals, such as beavers, deer, and squirrels, are also commonly spotted by visitors.
About an hour and a half northwest of Yakima, visitors will find Lake Easton State Park. The park offers 6.5 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of biking trails. A beach provides opportunities for swimming and boating, and the park’s playground is a perfect place for families to enjoy some downtime or have a picnic. During the winter, the park is still beautiful, and visitors can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile. The area is also frequented by visitors during the spring and fall months. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant, and the fall foliage is breathtaking.
The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is part of North Cascades National Park, but it offers different opportunities and is generally considered to be more secluded. In fact, this location is one of the most remote within the continental United States. Visitors to the recreation area will need to ride in on a plane or boat, but once there, they’ll be able to explore exceptional hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy some time at the small nearby community of Stehekin.
Located in Northeast Washington, Roosevelt National Recreation Area was created around Lake Roosevelt and the Grand Coulee Dam. The area is a fantastic place for water activities, swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also take advantage of the recreation area’s many trails for hiking and mountain biking. History buffs will also find plenty to enjoy, as the area offers information about the local Native American tribes and cultures, the area’s history, and the dam’s construction.
For a mix of history and outdoor adventure, visitors to Yakima can venture to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The park explores the tumultuous Klondike Gold Rush period, during which about 25,000 people traveled from Seattle and other areas to Alaska to strike it rich. The park’s headquarters are in Skagway, Alaska, but the park itself is split into four parts, each of which is located in a location that played a key role in the gold rush.
Located in southern Washington, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is rugged and secluded, making it an ideal location for a quiet, peaceful getaway. The forest spans about 1.32 million acres, and in addition to deep old-growth conifer woods, visitors can also explore glaciers and volcanic peaks. These peaks include Mount St. Helens. Fishing is extremely popular in the area, and the forest offers some of the best angling opportunities in the state. Visitors can also hike through the forest, and there are many opportunities for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, as the forest is home to many animal species, including endangered owls.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest starts at the Canadian border and runs for 180 miles. Because it’s so large, the forest is home to a diverse range of landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and animals. This also means that there are hundreds of options for exploring or recreational activities. Visitors can stop at the Panorama of Enchantments, which, as the name suggests, is a 120-degree view of several peaks, including Dragontail Peak and Witches Tower. The area also offers many hiking opportunities, varying in difficulty from gentle to challenging. There are, in total, about 1,300 miles of trails, but visitors can also bike, rock climb, horseback ride, fish, or camp.
One of the most picturesque forests in Washington is the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Easily accessible from either Seattle, North Cascades National Park or Mount Rainier National Park, the forest is a popular one with visitors. This popularity is also due to the area’s 1,500 miles of pristine hiking trails, 200 glaciers, 10 wilderness areas, and a multitude of rivers and lakes, all of which offer spectacular fishing opportunities. Visitors to the forest can indulge in different activities throughout the seasons. For example, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are common activities during the winter months, and swimming or kayaking are frequent favorites in the summer.
Located about two hours and 45 minutes from Yakima, Mount Rainier National Park is home to Mount Rainier, which stands an impressive 14,410 feet. An active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the continental U.S., the mountain makes for incredible photography opportunities. Visitors can also explore the park’s dense old-growth forests, meadows filled with wildflowers, and rugged areas that are ideal for mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing. Visitors to the park can also stop at Crystal Mountain, the largest ski resort in the state. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and snowshoeing are also popular activities within the park.
Remote, secluded, and peaceful, North Cascades National Park is just shy of 245 miles from Yakima. The drive is well worth it, though, and visitors to the park will be presented with some of the state’s most incredible landscapes and scenery, including crystal blue lakes, lush forests, meadows of wildflowers, glaciers, and the snowy Cascades Mountains. Most visitors enjoy photography, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping within the park. For a more challenging adventure and a closer experience with one of the park’s 312 glaciers, visitors will need to obtain a backcountry permit. Birdwatching is also quite popular in the park, and North Cascades is home to several endangered bird species, including the spotted owl.
Considered by many to be one of the most intriguing and beautiful national parks in the country, Olympic National Park offers hundreds of opportunities for exploration. Visitors can traverse gorgeous coastal areas, explore temperate rainforests, or view glaciated mountains. The park is also home to more than 650 archeological sites, many of which date back more than 12,000 years. Visitors to the park will also have many options when it comes to hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, kayaking, or viewing some of the park’s native animals, such as bears. The park is just over four hours from Yakima.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Yakima, WA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Yakima, WA?Yakima has freeway and highway access that make RV driving a breeze. The city also has plenty of parks, open spaces, and bodies of water. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the Yakima Area Arboretum, the Yakima Valley Museum, or visit a local orchard.
What are the RV rental requirements in Yakima, WA?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Yakima, WA?Renting an RV in Yakima, WA means endless blue skies, wide open roads, and lots of delicious local produce. With all the wide open space between destinations, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find RV campgrounds with pools or near lakes, and with other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or go off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Yakima, WA?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Yakima, WA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Yakima, WA?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Yakima, WA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Yakima, WA?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
