Staff writer
Campers soon will be able to pitch tents in portions of the Cottonwood Point expansion at Marion Reservoir.
Camping loops E and F will open around Aug. 1. The areas include 23 campsites with bathrooms and showers.
Acting chief ranger Melissa Bean said problems with a sewage lagoon were recently overcome.
“Now we are testing the sewer hookups and lift stations to make sure all the bathrooms drain to the lagoon correctly,” she said.
Although some sites are entirely ready, Bean said, maintenance staff and volunteers are correcting grading on roads and installing shelter roofs, tables, grills, and fire rings at other sites.
“Some sites are not ready at all,” Bean said. “It’s still a work in progress.”
Large rocks will be installed along shorelines to prevent erosion, and trees are being planted.
Although 13 sites in loop G might open this fall, the day-use area and remaining 35 sites in loop H will not be completed until next year.
Contractor problems, limited maintenance staff, and limited discretionary funding have delayed the project, Bean said.
Since a contractor left, maintenance crews been completing the campgrounds.
“Our two maintenance workers also spend about two days a week working at El Dorado reservoir,” she said. “Not many people know that.”