14-024 Dworshak Dam and Reservoir offers scenic springtime recreation: Water limited at Dent Acres campground due to repairs

Published April 11, 2014

AHSAHKA, Idaho – Enjoy early springtime in scenic north Idaho at the outdoor recreation facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. Dworshak has much to offer including camping, hiking, picnicking, visitor center activities, fishing, swimming and boating.

Merrys Bay day use area is now open and offers secluded picnicking and fishing opportunities. Also open are Dam View and Canyon Creek where primitive camping is available first-come, first-serve at no charge.

Dent Acres Campground opened on March 28.  However, because of a water line break, only sites 1-7 have water. Sites 17-26 are closed for repairs, and remaining sites are open for use but will have no water at those sites until repairs are complete. Water is not available elsewhere at the campground.

All campsites will be free of charge until water service is restored. Portable restrooms are available in the campground and at the boat launch.

 Regular season camping at Dent Acres will start May 24 with full hook-up sites available for $18 per night. Please make sure you make reservations ahead of time to guarantee your camping spot. To reserve your site at Dent Acres Campground, Dent Acres Group Camp, or Dent Acres picnic shelter, call the federal Recreation.gov toll-free line at 877-444-6777 or go online to www.recreation.gov.

Idaho’s turkey-hunting season starts April 15. Hunting is allowed on all Corps property around the reservoir except in developed recreation areas. Be aware that ATV operation is prohibited off of designated roads and beyond gates or fences. Follow all safety precautions while visiting during hunting season, and be aware Dworshak reservoir is still very cold from spring runoff.

Water discharged from Dworshak Dam could fluctuate to accommodate run-off as warmer springtime conditions melt snow. Corps officials advise boaters and other persons using waterways both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam on the Clearwater River to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow this time of year. Boat operators should also keep the fluctuating reservoir levels in mind when anchoring or tying-off their vessels. Always be aware of the dangers of hypothermia, and wear a Coast-Guard-approved personal flotation device when on or near the water.

School groups are also invited to visit Dworshak Dam Visitor Center where they can learn about hydropower, recreation, and natural and cultural history of the area. The Visitor Center offers a variety of interpretive displays, tours, water safety activities and historical movies, including the popular “Last of the Log Drives” and “Dworshak Dam Construction.”

For more information about the visitor center, water safety, or recreation opportunities and current conditions, call Dworshak Dam Visitor Center during business hours at 208-476-1255 or stop by in person. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-024