COLORADO, CAMPING & COVID

COLORADO, CAMPING & COVID

The change in weather means one important thing to many of us – IT’S TIME TO GO CAMPING!

And it couldn’t happen soon enough since we’ve all been locked away in our homes for over 2 months now. But just as many other things have changed in your lives, camping will need to take on a “new normal” also.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds began opening at Colorado’s state parks on Tuesday May 12. But not all 41 state parks are ready for you to host you yet. There will be a phased approach to reopening the campgrounds, so make sure that you check out your favorite park’s opening schedule. Many primitive, basic, electric, full hookup and backcountry sites are now open. Cabins, yurts, tipis and group camping that will not allow for social distancing will remain closed until at least May 28th.

For an updated schedule of openings – click here – https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7362

As with “all things COVID”, there are bound to be a list of ever changing protocols, which means an ever changing list of questions will continue to need answered.

For the latest QAs – click here – (https://gdoc.pub/doc/e/2PACX-1vSVWKtlabZH9SAd5zdQeWaIpr-GCvUyEOinPezv_L_qamZJad0GmxMXxq9yTn2VWQOeOvEXO7GB6g1l#c.pub/doc/1iSMr4sCg-DwX5vAFffUDoYd-d4UT1hG9To06iNBALek%23?ts=5ebaa9a7

It’s wise to remember that each county has different rules and regulations that must be followed. Some are still operating under “Safer at Home” rulings, while others have gotten variances. As always, the name of the game is “know before you go.”

While there are special procedures for park managers to ensure all open facilities are clean and sanitary utilizing the CDC and CDPHE guidelines for cleaning public areas, it’s up to individual campers to follow hand washing, distancing, sanitary and other safety precautions. Colorado’s “Safer at Home” rules do require that you wear a face covering anytime you are outside of your house or yard but it’s been suggested that’s only been advised if you can’t control social distancing. So bring masks or face coverings with you, just in case, and when in doubt – ASK! Also, be tolerant of others during this time – we are all stuck in one giant learning curve right now!

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife division hasn’t determined if any fines, warnings or punishments should be handed out if rangers determine that any one person or group has violated local or state public health orders.

Colorado’s Governor Polis summed it up this way: “In old times, you often would stop in local restaurants and pick up supplies and even refuel; plan as if you are going to the moon. In other words, plan ahead. Fill up your gas tank in your neighborhood to avoid stopping both to and from your destination. Plan your meals ahead of time, utilizing grocery stores near your home.” Now more than ever it’s important to “leave no trace.”

RVshare.com offers an entire novel on camping and Corona virus information – including how to disinfect your RV.

Also know that some states are limited camping to in-state residents, there are limited “common space” facilities open (like restrooms and playgrounds), and reservations ARE required.

One good thing COVID-19 did for us…all park passes that expired in April or May 2020 will be extended another 30 days!

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife office says this in closing, “Enjoy the healthy benefits of being outside!”