AHSAHKA, Idaho – With summer recreation season coming to a close, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir’s Visitor Center hours of operation, boat ramp availability and camping reservation procedures have changed.
The visitor center will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on federal holidays.
Visitors should be aware that the reservoir is dropping about 1 foot each day, as reservoir outflows are used to help keep downstream river temperatures cool for migrating salmon and steelhead. With this mind, boaters accessing mini-camps along the reservoir should be sure to leave extra line when tying off their vessels. The boat ramps at Big Eddy, Bruce’s Eddy 1, Dent Acres Park and Freeman Creek (Dworshak State Park) currently provide access to the reservoir, however some ramps may become unusable as reservoir levels continue to fall. For updated water level and boat ramp information, call 800-321-3198 or go online to www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nww/rreports.htm.
All campgrounds at Dworshak are open. Dent Acres offers 50 campsites with electric, water and sewer hookups, now available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dent Acres campsites cost $10 per day, with self-deposit registration; Golden Age Senior or America the Beautiful Senior pass-holders receive a 50-percent discount. All camping fees are waived for armed forces service members on mid- or post-deployment leave -- please, present approved leave documents to a Corps park ranger or volunteer park attendant.
Looking ahead to next year’s prime recreation season, remember that reservations for Dent Acres camping can be made up to six months in advance, and the group shelter can be reserved up to a year in advance. To make reservations, call 877-444-6777 or go online to www.recreation.gov.
All other camping areas, including minicamps, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As always, safety is the Corps’ greatest concern – safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while having fun at Dworshak:
• Changing weather conditions can create unsafe situations on open water. Know the weather and have a float plan.
• Keep life jackets on children while on or around the water, and don’t let small children out of your sight.
• Fire danger is present, so be careful with your campfire, and extinguish smoking materials.
• Check the serviceability of your boat, and avoid drinking alcohol while boating.
• Ensure proper fitting, accessible, and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them!
• Familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be boating before traveling at high speeds. There may be rocks, stumps, or shallow areas not visible from the surface.
For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions, call 208-476-1255 during business hours.
-30-