Center Hill Lake Campgrounds Reopening After Completing Cleanup Efforts

Ragland Bottom and Floating Mill campgrounds at Center Hill Lake are set to reopen Thursday.

A high water event in March postponed the openings of both recreation areas. Park Ranger Ashley Webster said the majority of the cleanup is complete, but strong winds and downed trees delayed the process for some areas.

“At Ragland Bottom campsites 21 through 30, they are our primitive camp sites that have water and electric. They are in the back of Ragland Bottom,” Webster said. “Those will not be opening on time like the rest of the campground.”

Webster said the amount of drift collected from the flood cleanup was not bad compared to other years. Webster said staff are now inspecting utilities for water damage. Webster said so far, no major facility damages have been found.

“We weren’t as impacted heavily as we were in years past,” Webster said. “And, that is something that we didn’t actually track. Our contractor who was awarded that job has been working nonstop. Even worked throughout the weekend hoping to ensure we open on time.”

Webster said the flood waters mainly dislodged railroad timbers and picnic tables. Webster said camp goers for the closed areas at Ragland Bottom should be receiving a notice.