DCNR Plans for Reopening Some State Park, Forest Facilities
- by Guest Contributor
- May 4, 2020
- Share:
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) is undertaking a phased reopening of Pennsylvania state park and forest facilities in keeping with Governor Wolf’s guidance and direction.
The schedule for reopening state park and forest facilities is:
Offices, Campgrounds, Cabins, Nature Inn at Bald Eagle
State park and forest facilities including offices, campgrounds, and the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in the counties in the yellow phase will be open to the public on May 15.
Cabins in the yellow areas will not open until June 12, to allow returning staff the ability to thoroughly clean them and prepare them for use.
Campgrounds and cabins in all other state parks will remain closed.
With the exception of one restroom in each day use area and marina, all state park and forest facilities outside of the counties in the yellow phase will remain closed until changes are made consistent with Governor Wolf’s guidelines for reopening.
The public can still access DCNR trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads, and parking areas statewide for recreation.
Restrooms
At least one restroom in day use areas and in marinas at state parks and forests statewide will be open to the public on May 8.
This is consistent with CDC guidance related to park and recreation area operations. Additional cleaning protocols are in place. Users should practice social distancing.
Marinas
All nine marinas in state parks will be open to the public on May 8, or their typical designated opening date. This is in addition to shoreline mooring sites at all state parks.
Playgrounds and Nature Play Areas
All playgrounds and nature play areas statewide will remain closed indefinitely.
Interpretive Centers and Ampitheaters
All interpretive centers and amphitheaters statewide will remain closed indefinitely.
Group Camping
All group camping facilities statewide will remain closed indefinitely.
Swimming Beaches
Swimming beaches statewide will be closed until at least June 6.
Swimming Pools
DCNR is still in discussions with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to determine swimming pool openings, and what the recommended guidance will be for use of pools.
Programs and Events
All programs, events, and large gatherings at state parks and forests in counties that are designated red are cancelled through June 15.
Based on availability, organizers will have the option to reschedule later in the year. No new reservations for these activities are being taken.
In counties designated yellow, any events with more than 25 people will be cancelled. If the event is under 25 people and outdoors it will be allowed to occur, however any indoor events will be cancelled.
Pavilions
Consistent with Governor Wolf’s guidelines for reopening, facilities such as pavilions will only be available for groups under 25 and will be on a first come first serve basis.
Picnic tables in state parks will be dispersed to allow room to spread out and avoid crowds.
Shooting Ranges
The shooting range at Little Pine State Park will open on Friday, May 8, because it is in a county that has been moved into the yellow phase.
COVID-19 and Outdoor Recreation Reminders
Campsites and cabins should only be used by members living in the same household as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
People who live in areas still under stay-at-home orders should not travel long distances for outdoor recreation, and instead should look for opportunities close to home.
Pennsylvania has 6,000 local parks and more than 12,000 miles of trails available (check first to make sure they are open, as some local parks are closed).
Visitors can help keep state parks and forest lands safe by following these practices:
- Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads
- Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
- Clean up after pets
- Avoid activities that put you at greater risk of injury, so you don’t require a trip to the emergency room
To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and protect others, and still enjoy the outdoors:
- Don’t hike or recreate in groups — go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)
- Wear a mask
- Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
- If you are sick, stay home
DCNR Resources for Safely Recreating Outdoors:
- What Does Stay-At-Home Mean for Outdoor Recreation (PDF)
- Guidance on Spending Time Outdoors (PDF)
- Protect Yourself and Others Outdoors (PDF)
- Protect Yourself and Others Outdoors in Spanish (PDF)
- Practice Social Distancing and Leave No Trace? (PDF)
- Practice Social Distancing and Leave No Trace in Spanish (PDF)
See the full release and other alerts from DCNR here.
