In 2011, the campground at Kopachuck State Park was closed indefinitely due to a pathogen called laminated root rot. The disease infected mature Douglas fir trees, which made overnight experiences unavailable over concerns for visitor safety. To address this shortcoming, special emphasis was placed on making day-use improvements. State Parks collaborated closely with our consultant Bruce Dees Associates from Tacoma to create a new vision for the park. The master plan was completed through a rigorous public process and finally approved by the Commission in 2014. In July of 2017, funding was made available by the legislature to begin design.
As of May 2020, the project is currently in the final stages of design and permitting. State Parks is working closely with Pierce County to create a new welcome center and a multi-purpose day-use building that will be suitable to accommodate a wide range of events including weddings, school groups, and community gatherings. In addition, there will be a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant picnic area, amphitheater and play area located adjacent to these buildings. New infrastructure including water, sewer, and storm water management systems will support these features.
State parks is also proceeding with construction of beach access. This element of the development project links visitors with the shoreline. Features include an ADA compliant walkway, stairs, non-motorized boat launching and water trail camping. State Parks plans to commence with construction by summer 2020. Below you will find the latest plans.