Schwarz Campground registration service goes digital

Dorena Lake's Schwarz Campground will change to a self-service, same-day-reservation system this year, using the Recreation.gov system for all sites. This allows U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District park rangers to operate the facility digitally, reduce management costs and make the reservation and payment system universal for all visitors. 

"It's a chance to leverage the technology invested in the national Recreation.gov program and save significant costs in operation at the site" says Tami Schroeder, natural resources manager. "Those funds can be used elsewhere, such as site maintenance and ranger patrols."

New signs and campsite markers will remind visitors who arrive without reservations to use the Recreation.gov system, either online, with their mobile devices or by calling the reservation hotline. If visitors don't have a good cell signal, a phone booth at the campground entrance provides free calls to the reservation hotline.

Cash will still be used at the site in a limited way to pay for extra vehicles at campsites. Extra vehicle fees are $6 per night. No change will be available on site. All other transactions through the Recreation.gov program require a debt or credit card.

Because all reservations are virtual, camp hosts and park rangers will track campsite reservation status “live" on the Recreation.gov website and periodically check in with campers to verify their reservations. Hosts and rangers will also help visitors with questions or concerns about the new process.

"The takeaway here is to reserve your site online first, then show up — even if you are just driving in from Cottage Grove," says Schroeder. "Then you can go right to your site and start enjoying this great area. But if you don't, you can still get it taken care of last minute at the campground."