Here is info about a discounted hotel, tent camping, camper van and RV parking, and restaurants near Central Washington University. Housing and dining are also available on the CWU campus amidst Zimfest activities. CWU is close to downtown Ellensburg, within short driving distance of over 700 motel rooms and 35 restaurants.
Hotels
The Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center in Ellensburg promises a group discount if enough Zimfest attendees stay there. The hotel is at 1700 S. Canyon Road off I-90, about 2.7 miles from the CWU Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC). If ten rooms are rented by Zimfest participants, each will receive a 10-15% discount (current undiscounted price for a room with queen bed is $105). Please call 509-925-9800 and let them know you are with Zimfest 2025.
Tent Camping
Tent camping is not allowed on the CWU campus, but we have been fortunate to secure ample space for Zimfest campers at the Kittitas Valley Event Center. KVEC is the home of the famed Ellensburg Rodeo! It is a quiet spot when no events are scheduled, and is within easy walking distance of our CWU festival site.
These inexpensive dry camping (tents only) sites are located at the Yakama Village, at the NE corner of Alder St and 8th Ave. Campers can register and pre-pay for space through Zimfest registration (scheduled to open in early May) at $20 per night, per tent.
Tent Camping Area at KVEC (click to expand)
The Yakama Village is a pleasant grassy area on the north side of a running creek, with lots of shade trees. Public restrooms with toilets and showers are available nearby at KVEC Western Village by heading west on E 8th St. Zimfest will rent additional port-a-potties to be placed right at the grassy edge of the Yakama Village.
KVEC Camping Rules and Regulations
These rules apply to Zimfest participants who have registered for Dry (tent) camping at the Yakama Village site at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, located at the NE corner of Alder St and 8th Ave, Ellensburg. Parking (Lot 4) for registrants only is across Alder St to the west.
Visitors
Only registered guests may use the facilities or stay overnight. We welcome your visitors, although visitors must depart by 10 PM.
Site Capacities
- Tents — Only 1 tent is allowed on site. Due to high/sudden wind activity in Ellensburg, please secure tents appropriately.
- People — Up to 6 people are allowed on each site. Any more staying overnight will require the purchase of another site.
- Vehicles — The base rate covers up to 2 vehicles per tent site.
Security
Kittitas Valley Event Center is not responsible for losses incurred due to damage, theft, or accident during your stay. Be sure to keep personal belongings and portable items secure. Please secure all property before leaving your site.
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM–7:00 AM. All outdoor music, video, and loud conversations must be concluded. Continual loud noise outside of these hours is also not permitted. Be considerate and respectful of other overnight guests.
Alcohol/Smoking/Drugs
No smoking within 25 feet of other campsites or buildings. It is illegal to open a package containing marijuana or to use products containing marijuana in view of the public (RCW 69.50.445).
Alcohol is allowed within your designated campsite for campers at least 21 years of age. Sites with minors in possession of alcohol will be reported to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s department and may be evicted.
Be mindful of those around you. Illicit drug use, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct are prohibited.
Campfires
Unfortunately, no campfires or open flames are allowed.
Garbage
Trash must be bagged and placed in designated garbage containers or taken with you.
Noncompliance
We reserve the right to ask people to leave the premises for noncompliance of any of our rules. If asked to leave, refunds will not be issued. There are no exceptions to these rules, and the first violation may result in eviction from the park with NO refund. Guests will be required to pay for any damage they or members of their party may cause to the property.
Camper Van and RV Parking
Neither Zimfest venue allows RV parking. And no RV parks near Ellensburg have been found that we can recommend. However, we have been informed that it is legal to park vehicles such as camper vans on public thoroughfares off-campus, and N. Adler Street which runs between the CWU campus and the KV Event Center is recommended. Parking here would be free, but at your own risk!
Restaurants Closest to CWU Campus
These places are located along University Way, on the south edge of campus, about a 6-minute walk from the SURC.
Campus U-Tote-Em
Retro Burger, Fry & Shake joint.
810 E University Way • (509) 925-1600
Island Fusion
Caribbean, Pacific Island and African food.
702 E University Way • (360) 919-4044
Utopia Frozen Yogurt & Coffee House
Like the name says, plus bagels, sandwiches and a nice atmosphere.
706 E University Way • (509) 933-1400
Winegar’s Coffee & Creamery
Housemade ice cream and coffee drinks.
1013 E University Way • (509) 933-1821
Starbucks
908 E 10th Ave • (509) 925-7877
Subway
1005 E University Way • (509) 925-4422
Restaurants Nearby (1/2 to 1 mile from SURC)
Cornerstone Italian Kitchen
Fire-roasted pizzas, sandwiches, beer & wine.
307 E 5th Ave • (509) 933-3600
The Early Bird
Breakfast!!
412 N Main St • (509) 968-5288
Ellensburg Pasta Company
Italian café with gluten-free options, local beer & wine.
600 N Main St • (509) 933-3330
Fidelina’s
Classic, fresh Mexican fare with vegan options.
119 W 5th Ave #103 • (509) 962-2347
The Red Pickle
Formerly a food truck, this “easygoing eatery” serves burgers, fries, tacos, beer and cocktails.
301 N Pine St • (509) 367-0003
Sugar Thai Food
Traditional Thai favorites like curries and noodles, plus beer and wine.
306 N Pine St • (509) 933-4224
Taste of India
Cozy café atmosphere with generous portions.
207 N Main St • (509) 933-1313
