CAMPING -- Camping reservations for BLM sites in the Yakima River Canyon Recreation Area have moved to the national online and telephone system that allows visitors to book a spot up to six months in advance.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s this week moved the Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines and Roza sites in the Yakima River Canyon the the national public lands reservation system at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.

The reservations apply to the regular fee season, May 15 - Sept. 15.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance but no less than 48 hours of the desired arrival date. During the off-season (Sept. 16-May 14), camping is free and no reservations are necessary. Camping rates are $15 per night. 

Day-use permits will continue to be purchased at onsite self-pay registration stations. A seasonal day-use permit sticker is also available for purchase from the BLM Wenatchee Field Office, the Ellensburg and Yakima Chambers of Commerce and at Red’s Fly Shop in the Yakima River Canyon. Day-use rates are $5 per vehicle.

The www.recreation.gov website is managed by the National Recreation Reservation Service, a partnership between federal land management agencies to provide reservation services for facilities and activities on public lands.

IDAHO RIVER RUNNERS NOTE:

Idaho whitewater river trip reservations applications are due SATURDAY, Jan. 31, for the Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, Selway and Hells Canyon Snake Rivers.