In response to anticipated heavy recreational use in the upper Provo River drainage, a 40-unit campground was constructed near Washington Lake. Increased use was anticipated partly in response to improvements the Mitigation Commission helped make to twelve reservoirs in the area. Each lake was stabilized and rehabilitated; trails and other recreational facilities were also constructed, including Washington Lake Campground, located near a popular trail head and recreational area. An Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) were prepared by the Forest Service for the project in 1992. The Commission adopted the Forest Service’s EA and issued its own FONSI in 1997.

Construction of Washington Lake Campground began in July of 1997 and was completed in September of 1999. The campground opened in the summer of 2000.