Lmuma Creek Recreation Site

For Washingtonians seeking a serene and accessible outdoor escape, Lmuma Creek Recreation Site presents a fantastic option right in the heart of our state. Tucked away along the picturesque Yakima River Canyon, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site offers a charming and understated camping experience, perfect for those looking to unwind by the water, enjoy some peaceful fishing, or simply bask in the quiet beauty of Central Washington. Unlike some of the larger, more bustling campgrounds, Lmuma Creek provides a more intimate setting with its limited number of sites, making it a true gem for locals who appreciate tranquility and direct access to nature's simple pleasures.

The Yakima River Canyon is renowned for its stunning basalt cliffs, rolling desert hills, and the gentle flow of the Yakima River, which is a designated Blue Ribbon trout stream. Lmuma Creek Recreation Site allows you to immerse yourself in this unique environment, offering shady spots right by the river's edge. Whether you're an avid angler, enjoy floating down the river, or simply want a quiet place to get your feet wet, this site caters to a relaxing outdoor experience. It's a place where the sounds of the river often outweigh any distant road noise, inviting you to slow down and truly appreciate the natural world around us. This article will explore all the details that make Lmuma Creek Recreation Site an ideal choice for your next Washington adventure, providing insights into its amenities and highlighting why it’s a perfect fit for our local community.

Lmuma Creek Recreation Site is conveniently located at 11602-, 13342 S Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA. This places it directly within the stunning Yakima River Canyon, a designated state scenic route that offers a scenic drive between Ellensburg and Yakima. From Ellensburg, you simply take Highway 821 (Canyon Road) south. Lmuma Creek is situated at milepost 12, making it an easy and accessible destination for residents across Washington, particularly those in Central and Western Washington seeking a quick escape to the east side of the Cascades.

Access to the site involves a paved road that leads into a gravel parking lot, providing relatively easy navigation for vehicles. For those with accessibility needs, there are a few paved spots for camping and parking, including near campsites #1 and #6, ensuring that the site is welcoming to a broader range of visitors. The small gravel boat launch makes it convenient for those looking to get out on the water with non-motorized crafts like kayaks or tubes. While the road noise from S Canyon Rd can sometimes be present, the overall atmosphere is one of quiet relaxation, particularly within the individual campsites tucked amongst the trees by the river.

Services Offered:

• Restrooms (Vault Toilets): The site features clean vault toilets, including two accessible unisex single vault toilets on a paved pathway through the campground, ensuring basic sanitation needs are met.
• Picnic Tables: Several picnic tables are dispersed throughout the site, providing convenient spaces for outdoor dining and meal preparation. Accessible picnic tables with extended tops are available near campsite #1.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Each campsite is equipped with a standard, single-walled fire ring with a grate, allowing for campfires (when permitted by burn bans) and cooking over an open flame.
• Cash Receptacle for Fees: For easy payment of day-use or camping fees, a cash receptacle is available on-site.
• Online Payment Option: Visitors also have the option to pay fees online, offering flexibility and convenience.
• Small Gravel Boat Launch: A dedicated small gravel boat launch provides easy access for non-motorized watercraft, perfect for those wanting to float, kayak, or wade in the Yakima River.
• Dumpster: A ground-level dumpster is available for trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the site clean.

Features / Highlights:

• Riverside Location: The most prominent feature is its direct proximity to the Yakima River. Many sites are tiny and shady, nestled right along the riverbank, offering excellent views and easy access to the water.
• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite some road noise, the site is generally quiet and conducive to relaxation, appealing to those seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Shady Spots: The presence of trees provides natural shade for many campsites, a welcome amenity during warmer months. Campsites #1-4 are seasonally shaded.
• Limited Number of Campsites: With only seven campsites in total, Lmuma Creek offers a more intimate and less crowded camping experience compared to larger campgrounds. Sites #1-7 have accessible picnic tables and fire rings.
• Accessibility Features: Paved spots for handicap use and accessible picnic tables demonstrate an effort to accommodate visitors with diverse needs.
• Popular for River Floating: The site's location on the Yakima River makes it a popular spot for river floating, with many people observed enjoying the water.
• Fishing Opportunities: Located on the Yakima River, a Blue Ribbon trout stream, it's an excellent spot for fishing (catch and release only for trout).
• Wildlife Viewing: The Yakima River Canyon is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for viewing various birds of prey, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.
• Accepts Various Passes: The site accepts BLM day or annual passes, as well as America the Beautiful and Golden Age passes, providing flexibility for pass holders. Day use fee is $5 and overnight camping is $15. Campsites are $15 per night, covering two vehicles. An extra vehicle fee of $10 per night applies.
• Year-Round Operation: The Yakima River Canyon Recreation Sites, including Lmuma Creek, are open year-round, allowing for seasonal visits. Reservations are accepted from May 1 to September 30; first-come, first-served from October 1 to April 30.

Contact Information:

Address: 11602-, 13342 S Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA

Phone: (509) 665-2100

Mobile Phone: +1 509-665-2100

For more detailed information, reservations (during the reservation season), or specific inquiries regarding Lmuma Creek Recreation Site, contacting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wenatchee Field Office is recommended. The provided phone numbers connect to the BLM, which manages this site. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information on fees, availability, and any fire restrictions or temporary closures.

Lmuma Creek Recreation Site is exceptionally well-suited for Washington locals, offering a fantastic blend of accessibility and natural immersion close to home. For residents throughout our state, particularly those in Central and Western Washington, it provides an easy and relatively quick escape to a beautiful riverside setting without needing to venture far into remote wilderness. This makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips, a refreshing mid-week break, or even a relaxed day outing.

The site's small size and tranquil atmosphere are major draws for locals seeking a peaceful respite from urban environments. Unlike larger, more bustling campgrounds, Lmuma Creek offers a more intimate connection with nature, perfect for quiet reflection, reading, or simply listening to the gentle flow of the Yakima River. The ease of access for river activities—whether it’s wading in the shallow spots, floating by on a tube, or casting a line for trout—makes it a natural playground that appeals directly to our love for water-based recreation.

Furthermore, the affordability of the fees and the acceptance of various national passes make it an economical choice for regular visits. The basic amenities, including clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, provide comfort without detracting from the rustic charm. For Washingtonians who value easy access to fishing, floating, and a quiet moment in nature, Lmuma Creek Recreation Site is a local treasure that consistently delivers a relaxing and authentic outdoor experience. It's a reminder of the beautiful, diverse landscapes that make our state so unique and a perfect spot to create cherished outdoor memories close to home.

Lmuma Creek Recreation Site

11602-, 13342 S Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA