Wildfires disrupt power to Dworshak’s Dent Acres campground; campers, visitors urged to use Dworshak State Park

Because of multiple fires burning in the region near Orofino, Idaho, electrical service to Dent Acres Campground has been disrupted, also affecting sewer and water availability.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir are closing the camp except for dry-camping in a large parking lot. Water and power services are also unavailable throughout the park, although the boat ramp and day-use area remain open.

Campers, visitors and residents displaced by Clearwater Basin fires are encouraged to go to Dworshak State Park, where full services are available at Freeman Creek Campground, according to Idaho State Parks and Recreation staff. For camping information at Freeman Creek Campground, contact IDPR at 208-476-3132.

“Sometimes internet mapping apps direct drivers to take a gravel road – Don’t go that way. Follow the signs and stay on the pavement,” said Mary Stanley, IDPR visitor assistant at Dworshak State Park.

Stanley recommends drivers arriving from Orofino follow the Cavendish Highway (Old Idaho 7) to Freeman Creek Road, which leads directly to the park and campground. For more information about Dworshak State Park, check out IDPR’s website https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/dworshak.

Clearwater Power crews are deployed to repair power outages, but some areas are still unreachable due to fire conditions. There is currently no estimated power-restoration time. Power outage maps are available at http://www.clearwaterpower.com.

Currently, area fires have not spread to Corps-managed lands at Dworshak. The dam, visitor center and recreation areas are operating as usual, with the exception of the Dent Acres power outage. For information and updates about fires near Dworshak, go online to Clearwater County’s website www.clearwatercounty.org.

The risk of wildfires is extremely high throughout the Pacific Northwest because of exceptionally hot weather, dry landscape and drought conditions, and forecasts for more of the same. To reduce the risk of accidental wildfires, fire restrictions are in effect at all recreation and camping areas at Dworshak and throughout Clearwater County http://firerestrictions.us/id/clearwater-area.

For the latest information about Dworshak outdoor recreation opportunities and updates about facility services, go to www.facebook.com/dworshakdam.