Lewis River campsite reservation hot line open for business
12 hours ago • By The Daily News
The reservation line for campsites at PacifiCorp’s Cresap Bay and Cougar campgrounds on the Lewis River reservoirs will open at 9 a.m. today.The toll-free number is 1-855-414-0004. This is a new phone number; those calling previous numbers will be redirected to this automated phone line, open 24 hours a day. Return calls confirming dates and arranging payment will only occur weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Individual sites at Cresap Bay and Cougar campgrounds are now $20 per night.
Vehicle parking
No parking fees are collected during the current off-season. However, during the peak recreation season — Memorial Day weekend to Sept. 15 — a $3 parking fee is charged on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at reservoir day-use parks. The exception is Merwin Park, where the parking fee is always $1.
River access sites downstream of Merwin Dam and at Eagle Cliff Park upstream of Swift Reservoir do not have parking fees.
Day use parking passes for the summer season are available for $20. These passes may not be used for overnight parking. Passes can be purchased at the Woodland Information Center and at fee booths located at parks during hours they are staffed. Day use parking passes can no longer be purchased by mail.
Overnight parking is available on a limited basis at Saddle Dam Park for dispersed camping in designated campsites along the Yale Reservoir shoreline and at Swift Forest Camp for Swift Reservoir shoreline sites. Overnight parking availability does not guarantee a designated campsite is available. Dispersed campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Maps of PacifiCorp-designated dispersed sites can be obtained at Saddle Dam Park and Swift Forest Camp.
Merwin Park
Park renovations that disrupted Merwin Park during the 2012 recreation season are now complete. Visitors will find a new play structure, two picnic shelters, additional picnic tables, volleyball courts, and new path system for barrier-free accessibility.
No alcohol policy
“PacifiCorp has a no-alcohol policy at our campgrounds and reservoirs,” said David Moore, PacifiCorp recreation manager. “Alcohol use causes more complaints and problems for families using our facilities. It’s in everyone’s interest to maintain our parks so they are remain a safe place for families.”
PacifiCorp contracts with the Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania county sheriffs’ offices, Clark County Marine Board and a private security company for security patrols. Experienced third-party vendors chosen by PacifiCorp operate the recreation areas.
Lewis River campground season and hours
Campground gate hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cresap Bay campground: Friday before Memorial Day through Sept. 30.
Cougar campground and day-use park: Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Beaver Bay campground: Last Saturday of April through Sept. 30.
Swift Forest Camp and day-use: Last Saturday of April through end of hunting season in November.
