From Eyesore to OasisThe Story of The Junkyard RV Park

When they first acquired this property in Garfield, the name wasn’t a clever marketing choice—it was a literal description. For decades, this land had served as a collection point for scrap metal and abandoned machinery. It was a neglected eyesore that sat in the heart of the Palouse, but where others saw a mess, they saw a quiet, beautiful piece of Washington that deserved to be restored.

The “Junkyard” name is a badge of honor for them because it represents a massive transformation. This wasn’t just a simple cleanup; it was a labor of love that took years of literal heavy lifting. TJ committed himself to the restoration, spending countless hours hauling out tons of old iron and scrap to return the land to its natural state. They kept the name as a tribute to that history and the sheer amount of work required to reclaim this land for the community and for travelers.

The Palouse is famous for its rolling hills, but many travelers find themselves parked right against the noisy Highway 195 corridor. We intentionally built The Junkyard RV Park on State Route 27 to offer a more secluded experience.

While the Palouse is a working landscape—meaning you’ll see the occasional local grain truck heading to the elevators—you are tucked away from the relentless, 24/7 roar of the main highway. You’re only 35 minutes from the energy of Pullman and WSU, but far enough off the beaten path to enjoy the actual sounds of the country.

“The Junkyard RV Park is a family-owned operation and a labor of love. While we offer a self-serve experience for our guests’ convenience, we are on-site daily to maintain what we call the ‘Traveler’s Standard.’ Whether it’s checking the 50-amp service or ensuring the grounds are spotless, we take personal pride in providing a safe, clean, and truly quiet home away from home for everyone who pulls into the Palouse.”
TJ & Tanya Mitzimberg

TJ and Tanya Mitzimberg are long-time residents of the Garfield community. Their local connection is the foundation of the park’s “Traveler’s Standard” for cleanliness and maintenance.

Tanya Mitzimberg manages the daily operations and guest communications for the park. She focuses on maintaining a quiet and professional environment for all visitors.

When not working at the shop or the RV park, the Mitzimbergs spend time in the Palouse region they call home. They enjoy being 35 minutes from the university community in Pullman while residing in the quieter setting of Garfield. They are present daily to ensure the park is maintained and that guests are comfortable.