Park Rules

Park supervisors may restrict or prohibit activities that: 

• Create a safety risk to people, wildlife, park property, or natural and cultural resources. 

• Unreasonably interfere with another visitor’s safe and peaceful enjoyment of the park. 

For safety and security reasons, drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may not be operated on, from, or over Tacoma Power property. 

Drone operators are also responsible for following all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. 

• Washington state: WAC 352-32-130 

• Additional local restrictions may apply depending on the location. 

• Quiet hours are 10 p.m.–6 a.m. This includes generators, music, and outdoor movies. 
• Leave campsites clean and free of trash and personal belongings. Dispose of all waste in designated receptacles and leave the site in the same or better condition than you found it.
• Amplified sound must be confined to a campsite or picnic site and should not disrupt others beyond that space.
• Guests must be at least 18 years of age to reserve or register for a campsite. The registered guest is responsible for the conduct of all members of their camping party and for any damage to the campsite or park property caused by their party.
• Glass is not permitted in swimming areas.
• From May 15–Sept. 15, stays are limited to 10 consecutive days. During the rest of the year, stays are limited to 10 days within any 30-day period.
• Campsites may not exceed the maximum number of people, vehicles, tents or recreational vehicles designated for the site. All camping equipment and vehicles must remain within the boundaries of the campsite.
• Sewage, wastewater, and gray water may only be disposed of at designated dump stations or disposal facilities. Discharging wastewater or sewage onto the ground, into the lake or into any other undesignated area is not permitted.

• Pets must be kept under control and either secured in a cage or on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet.
• Pets must be kept inside a tent or enclosed vehicle overnight.
• Pet owners must clean up and properly dispose of pet waste.
• Pets are not permitted on swimming beaches, the Taidnapam Park fishing bridge, or inside restrooms and showers.
• Pets may not be left unattended or tied to trees or shrubs.
• Pets that repeatedly bark or otherwise disturb other guests may be required to leave the park.
• Pets that display aggressive behavior or pose a threat to the safety of people or other animals may be required to leave the park.
• Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
• Livestock are not permitted in Tacoma Power Parks.

• Bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices are permitted on park roads unless otherwise posted.
• The maximum speed within campground loops is 5 mph, unless otherwise posted.
• Riders must operate at a safe and controlled speed, yield to pedestrians and vehicles, obey posted traffic signs, and use extra caution around children, pets, campsites, intersections, and congested areas.
• Reckless riding, excessive speed, or operation that creates a hazard to others is not permitted.
• Park staff may prohibit continued use of the device for the remainder of the visitor’s stay for repeated or unsafe operation.

 Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings when no burn ban or park-specific fire restriction is in effect. Check current burn ban information before starting a fire. Tacoma Power considers county burn bans and current conditions when setting restrictions for each park. 

County locations:

• Lewis County: Mayfield Lake Park, Mossyrock Park and Taidnapam Park  

• Pierce County: Alder Lake Park  

During restrictions, only propane or gas stoves with on/off controls are permitted. 

Check for current county-specific burn ban information. Do not cut or burn live or downed trees. Additional rules for collecting branches and driftwood may vary by park. 

• Power saws are not permitted in campgrounds. 

• Campsite fees include parking for one vehicle.
• Additional vehicles and unattended vehicles are $15 per night.
• Towed vehicles are not subject to the additional vehicle fee.
• Overnight parking is not permitted in day-use or boat launch areas at Alder Lake, Mayfield Lake or Taidnapam parks. 
• Unattended vehicles may be parked overnight at the North Taidnapam boat launch.
• Unattended vehicle permits are available for overnight parking in the Mossyrock Park day-use area.
• Driving or parking on vegetated areas is not permitted, except in designated areas at Mossyrock Park. Power-driven mobility devices, other than wheelchairs, may only be operated by people with disabilities. 

• Kegs and other bulk alcohol containers are not permitted.

• Alcohol may only be stored and consumed within campsites and group camp areas. 

• Alcohol is not permitted in day-use areas or on the Taidnapam Park fishing bridge. 

• Boat launches close at dusk.
• Swimming and diving from docks are not permitted. Follow all state and local boating regulations and posted no-wake zones.
• Watercraft may not exceed 8 mph in Lewis County or 5 mph in Pierce County within 200 feet of any shore, dock, public swimming area or log boom.
• Mayfield Lake Park: Due to changing lake levels, boaters are encouraged to remove watercraft from the water each evening to help prevent stranding.

• Free moorage is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Moorage is limited to 10 consecutive days.
• Overnight camping on moored boats is not permitted.
• Slips may not be saved with personal belongings.

• Leave rocks, minerals, artifacts and other natural or cultural resources where you find them. 

• Metal detectors are not permitted. 

• Report vandalism to a park supervisor.

• The discharge or unlawful display of firearms is not permitted. 

• Fireworks are not permitted. 

• Follow all posted speed limits. 

• Secure all personal belongings. Tacoma Power is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.