DETROIT LAKE STATE PARK
Mongold Day Use area is 1.5 miles west of Detroit Lake State Park. It?s the only public boat launch facility on the lake featuring a swimming area, grass beach, picnic facilities and restrooms. Mongold is a year-round fee area.
Mongold has 58 single car parking spaces and three fully-accessible parking spaces near the swimming area, and another 25 single car parking spaces at the top of the parking lot. There are 120 vehicle/trailer parking spaces, and three that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Overnight parking at Mongold is permitted only when the visitor is camping on Piety Island.
Located in the western part of Oregon, USA, this recreational area was established as a state park in 1952. The creation of the park followed shortly after Detroit Dam's construction by U.S Army Corps Engineers between 1949 and 1953 on North Santiam River.
The damming project resulted in creating an artificial lake named "Detroit Lake," which spans over nine miles long with approximately thirty-two miles shoreline. This reservoir became central to what is now known as one of Oregon's most popular outdoor recreation areas.
In its early years, it primarily served locals for fishing and boating activities due to its rich aquatic life including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon among others. However, gradually amenities were added such as campgrounds (in late '50s), picnic spots etc., making it more appealing for tourists from far off places too.
Over time various improvements have been made like addition of boat ramps & docks; modernization/upgradation work done during mid-2000s included renovation at campground sites along with new restroom facilities being installed.
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
1. Detroit Lake Campground: This is the main campground within the state park, offering over 100 full-hookup sites and more than a dozen tent-only campsites.
2. South Shore Campground: Located on the south shore of Detroit Lake, this campsite offers both RV and tent camping options with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits etc.
3. Cove Creek Campground: Situated near Breitenbush River's outlet to Detroit lake, it provides access for boating & fishing along with standard camping facilities.
4. Hoover Campgrounds: It has about 32 single-family campsites located in a beautiful forested setting close to Santiam river.
5. Hoover Group Site: A group site that can accommodate up to 50 people at once making it perfect for large gatherings or events.
6. Santiam Flats: Nestled among towering Douglas fir trees ,it features ten spacious family-friendly campsites.
7. Piety Island: For those looking for something unique,this island situated right in middle of detroit lake could be an option but only accessible by boat though!
All these campgrounds typically offer restrooms/showers,picnic areas,and easy access to water activities such as swimming,fishing,kayaking etc. Some also have playgrounds,hiking trails nearby.
1. Detroit Lake State Park offers two designated swimming areas for visitors.
2. The park's large, freshwater lake is perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty; swimmers should exercise caution and swim at their own risk.
4. Swimming options include free-swimming or using inflatable floats in the open water area of the lake.
5. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult while swimming due to safety concerns.
6. The shoreline also provides shallow waters suitable for younger children or less confident swimmers.
7. Swim aids like life jackets can be used but aren't provided by the state park officials.
8. Water temperatures vary throughout seasons so it's advisable to check before planning a swim trip.
Detroit Lake offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two boat ramps and several marinas available, making it easy to launch your own watercraft. The lake is popular for motorized boats as well as non-motorized vessels like kayaks or canoes. Fishing boats and pontoon rentals are also offered by local businesses around the area if you don't have your own vessel but still want to enjoy some time on the water.
The park offers abundant fishing opportunities with species like rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and brown bullhead. Anglers can enjoy shore or boat fishing. Fishing tournaments are held annually. Ice-fishing is popular in winter months.