PR Mudhole's campground won't reopen this year

OLDTOWN — Further delays have been placed on the re-opening of The Mudhole campground in Priest River after an extensive paving project is taking longer than anticipated, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff said.

USACE officials originally expected to open the recreation area for the season in mid-July. However, there is currently no expected opening date, said USACE public affairs specialist Nicole Celestine.

While there is a small chance the day-use area will open sometime in August, the campground will not open at all in 2024.

“After the old pavement was removed, our contractor discovered sections of the base layer under the pavement that were unforeseen and unsuitable for supporting new pavement,” said Albeni Falls Dam chief of natural resources Taylor Johnson. “That discovery required removing more material than originally expected.”

Johnson said that after removing the old, unsuitable material and completely replacing it with new material, staff is hoping the pavement will last much longer.

“While we’re disappointed this finding is going to further delay opening for the season, we want this new pavement to last as long as the old pavement did,” said Johnson.

Reservations made after July 15 will be canceled and visitors will be fully refunded.

Questions about the project can be directed to Johnson at taylor.m.johnson@usace.army.mil or by phone at (208) 437-3133.