1st phase of improvements completed at Cottonwood Point
News editor
Cottonwood Point campground at Marion Reservoir reopened to reservations recently after the completion of improvements in the existing campground. That is just the start of the project, however.
A new gatehouse has been constructed, and roads have been improved at the campground. Now the project turns to expansion, with 47 new campsites and 12 day-use picnic sites planned. That will dramatically increase the size of Cottonwood Point, which has 71 campsites now.
The new campsites will be the most modern at the reservoir, with water, sewer, and 50-amp electric hookups for recreational vehicles. There will also be three shower buildings and change houses and five parking areas in the expansion, Park Ranger Emily Coffin recently told Marion Chamber of Commerce.
New campsites will be organized in loops. Coffin expects construction will be done during the camping offseason. Spring 2013 is the earliest new campsites may open, with the number of new campsites determined by the budget for construction.