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A large water main break near the intersection of South Tacoma Way and South M Street has resulted in discolored water for a large portion of Tacoma. Click here to view the latest information about this water event.

Park Rules

To maximize enjoyment of our parks, we ask everyone to follow these rules at Tacoma Power Parks.

Quiet hours and other things to know
  • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • We don’t allow amplified sound.
  • To hold a site for a buddy, the site must be paid for and occupied with a tent or RV to hold it.
  • We can only rent campsites to people who are at least 18 years old.
  • We don’t allow glass bottles in swim areas.
  • Between May 15 and Sept. 15, park visits are limited to 10 consecutive days. The rest of the year, you may stay a total of 10 days in a 30-day period.
Bulk alcohol not allowed
  • Alcohol in kegs and other bulk containers is not allowed.
  • Store and consume alcoholic beverages only in your site or group camp circle.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the day-use areas or on the Taidnapam Park fishing bridge.
Parking
  • Your campsite fee includes only one vehicle. Additional or unattended vehicles, unless towed, cost $15 each per night.
  • You may purchase an unattended vehicle permit to park overnight in the day-use parking area at Mossyrock Park.
  • Sorry, we don’t allow overnight parking in the day-use and boat launch areas at Alder Lake, Mayfield Lake and Taidnapam Parks. However, unattended vehicles may remain overnight at the North Taidnapam boat launch.
  • Only Highway legal/licensed vehicles are allowed.
  • Only people with disabilities may operate power-driven mobility devices other than wheelchairs in the parks.
  • Please don’t park or drive on vegetated areas except as allowed at Mossyrock Park.
About Campfires
  • Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings and when a burn ban is not in effect.
  • Get current burn ban information. See the Department of Natural Resources for burn ban details by county.
  • Using power saws is not allowed in the campgrounds.
  • You’re not allowed to cut or burn live or downed trees. Each park may have additional rules about collecting branches and driftwood.
Bringing A Pet

Your pets are part of your family, but they can sometimes get in the way of other campers. These pet rules will help avoid some common pet peeves.

  • Keep your pets under control in cages or on physical leashes no longer than 8 feet. (Make sure someone is holding the other end of the leash.)
  • At night, keep them in a tent or enclosed vehicle.
  • Scoop the poop. We provide bags to make it easier for you.
  • Keep pets off the swimming beaches and the Taidnapam Park fishing bridge and out of restrooms and showers.
  • Do not leave your pets unattended.
  • You may not tie pets to trees or shrubs.
  • We will ask that barking dogs be removed from the parks.
  • Please do not feed the wildlife.
  • Bringing livestock into the parks is not permitted.
Boating
  • Boat launches close at dusk.
  • Docks may not be used for skiing, swimming or diving.
  • Observe and follow state and local boating regulations.
  • It is illegal to operate watercraft in excess of 8 mph in Lewis County and 5 mph in Pierce County within 200 feet of any shore, dock, public swimming area or log boom.
  • Please obey no-wake zones.
  • At Mayfield Lake Park, we recommend taking your boat out of the water each evening to prevent stranding.
  • Check on lake levels and boat launches. 
Boat moorage at Alder Lake
  • Alder Lake Park offers free moorage on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Moorage is limited to 10 consecutive days.
  • The park does not allow overnight camping on moored boats or the saving of slips with personal items.
Protect Cultural Resources
  • Natural and cultural resources are protected on our lands. Please leave all rocks, minerals or artifacts where you find them. Metal detectors are not allowed.
  • Report vandalism by talking with a park supervisor or by calling 253-502-8824.
Pitching Your Tent

If a tent is allowed at your site, please set it up within the site’s boundaries.

Play it safe
  • The discharge or unlawful display of firearms is not permitted in the parks.
  • Fireworks are not allowed.
  • Please obey all posted speed limits.
  • For safety and security reasons, the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is not allowed on or from Tacoma Power property.
  • Please protect your personal belongings. Tacoma Power cannot be held responsible for stolen or damaged items.
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