Camping is still closed in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, including at Spring Canyon, and boat launch fees can only be paid by credit card now. 

The National Park Service said Monday that the closure of campgrounds is continuing until further notice to help quell the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Four of the five counties that border the lake, Lincoln, Stevens, Ferry, and Grant are in Phase 2 of Washington state's Safe Start recovery plan, with Okanogan still being in Phase 1. 

Despite this, the lake "is a magnet for visitors from outside the five counties that border the Lake," a press release states, noting that out of 1.3 million annual visitors, 500,000 of them come from Spokane, King, and Snohomish counties.

"Opening camping encourages people from high COVID19 areas to travel to low COVID19 areas despite current Washington State guidance," said Dan Foster, superintendent of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. "We are supporting Washington State's phased opening to help protect the small communities surrounding Lake Roosevelt."

Weekly boat launch fees can be purchased at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/656441199.

"These permits can be purchased before you leave home. Annual boat launch permits can be purchased with a credit card either online at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/64970644 or in person at select locations around Lake Roosevelt listed at https://www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/fees.htm. 

"If purchasing on-line, please allow a minimum of seven days to receive your permit in the mail." 

Locally, Coulee Playland and Coulee Hardware are physical locations where boat launch passes are available to purchase.

The day-use areas at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area continue to be open, but with the restrooms closed, and with no water services, fish cleaning stations, or garbage services available.