Chelan PUD partners with State Parks on Beebe Bridge reservations

CHELAN — Chelan PUD is turning to Washington State Parks to handle reservations at Beebe Bridge State Park, a move officials say will improve the experience for campers while keeping the riverfront property under local stewardship.

Beginning Wednesday, March 4 at 8 a.m., visitors can book campsites and day-use shelters for the 2026 season (April 15 through Oct. 15) through the State Parks reservation system.

The change marks the start of a two-year transition. While Washington State Parks will manage bookings, Chelan PUD will continue maintaining the 56-acre Columbia River park through early 2028, gradually shifting operations in partnership with the state.

“For many years, Washington State Parks has managed several Chelan PUD parks well,” said Chelan PUD Parks Manager Ryan Baker. “It makes sense to add Beebe Bridge, for better operational efficiency, as well as a better customer experience with a top-of-the-line reservation system, security patrols, and State Park discounts.”

The shift integrates Beebe Bridge into the same platform used at more than 100 state parks statewide. Campers will be able to reserve sites up to nine months in advance and access State Parks’ discount programs, including passes for seniors, veterans, foster families and visitors with disabilities.

For Chelan PUD customers, free day-use access, including the boat launch, remains unchanged with a PUD parking pass.

The arrangement reflects a broader model the utility has used along the Columbia River. Beebe Bridge joins Wenatchee Confluence, Daroga and Lincoln Rock as PUD-owned parks managed in coordination with State Parks.

Rather than stepping back, the utility is leaning into what looks more like a collaborative approach — retaining ownership and stewardship responsibilities while partnering with an agency built to manage recreation systems at scale.

Beebe Bridge, located about five miles from Lake Chelan, offers 46 campsites for RVs and tents, shoreline access, a sandy beach, tennis and pickleball courts, ball fields and reservable kitchen shelters.

For visitors, the practical change is simple: reservations move to the State Parks system. For Chelan PUD, the decision underscores their long-standing philosophy that stewardship sometimes means recognizing when a partner can enhance the public’s experience of a place the community already owns.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media