ROGERS, Ark. – Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which marks the unofficial start to the summer season at Beaver Lake. The Corps reminds all visitors to be safe while swimming, boating, or camping at Beaver Lake.
During any summer holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day weekend, there is a higher concentration of boating traffic on the lake and it is critical to remain aware of your surroundings. Always practice safe boating to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and friends, as well as the boaters and swimmers around you.
Before launching your boat, ensure you have all the required safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and a Type IV throwable device, on board and ready for use.
Remember, all children 12-years-old and younger must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times while on a boat.
Most campsites are either reserved or occupied for the upcoming weekend, however, campsites occasionally become available when a visitor doesn’t show or cancels their reservation unexpectedly. Stop by the park gatehouse and ask the park attendant for a list of available campsites.
After much anticipation, Prairie Creek Park is open for camping with updated water amenities throughout the park. Campsite fees range from $20 to $25 per night.
If you would like to make campsite reservations at any Corps operated campground on Beaver Lake, please visit www.recreation.gov or call Reserve America at 1-877-444-6777.
America the Beautiful passes, including Senior and Annual passes, as well as the Access, Military, Volunteer, and Every Kid in a Park passes, are available at the Beaver Lake Project Office. Golden Age/Access and America the Beautiful Senior/Access cardholders pay 50 percent of the regular camping fee.
A reminder for all day users: A day use fee of $5 per vehicle is required in all Corps parks with day use facilities. An annual day use pass is also available for $40 and is valid for one year from the month purchased. It may be purchased at park gatehouses or at the Beaver Lake Project Office.
New this year, Golden Age/Access and America the Beautiful Senior/Access passport holders will no longer be charged day use fees. The America the Beautiful pass program is now incorporated into the Corps’ fee policy. Be sure and ask the park attendant for a display hang tag for your passport.
For more information related to America the Beautiful passes, please contact the Beaver Lake Project Office at 479-636-1210.