DEC Announces Additional Campgrounds Will Open July 1 to Existing Reservations
Campers Encouraged to Follow Guidelines to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19 While Enjoying Beauty of Adirondacks and CatskillsThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that additional DEC campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open on July 1 to existing reservation holders for the 2020 season. To maintain social distancing and reduce the density of facilities and protect visitors, DEC is not accepting additional reservations or walk-in camping for the 2020 season at this time. Only existing reservations for all DEC campgrounds will be honored. Please visit DEC’s website for the latest updates on DEC campgrounds and information about each facility. DEC Campgrounds to Open July 1:Adirondack Park Campgrounds and Day Use Areas
Catskill Park Campgrounds and Day Use Areas
Reopening Fire Towers and DEC Lands to CampingIn addition, State Lands that were temporarily closed to camping will allow overnight camping beginning Friday, June 26, with the exception of Evergreen Pond (Ossian State Forest, town of Ossian, Livingston County), Peekamoose Valley in the Catskills, Otter Creek Horse Trail (Independence River State Forest, town of Glenfield, Lewis County), and Sugar Hill Recreation Area (Sugar Hill State Forest, town of Orange, Schuyler County). Day use is allowed at Sugar Hill State Forest, but the fire tower, gate off Tower Hill Road, and facilities (bathroom, water, campsites) at the fire tower area remain closed. Peekamoose Valley will allow camping starting July 1. Otter Creek and Sugar Hill are expected to open to camping later this summer. Please check DEC’s website for the most up-to-date information. DEC has temporarily stopped issuing permits for backcountry camping for groups of 10 or more. As of June 11, DEC resumed issuing permits for groups of fewer than 10 people who would like to stay for more than three nights at one location on state lands. DEC is also temporarily restricting lean-to use to members of a single household at a time. DEC-controlled fire towers (with the exception of Sugar Hill) are also reopened to visitors. For more information on open facilities, visit DEC’s camping page. For information about campgrounds operated by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation visit the NYS Parks camping webpage. Campground SafetyAccording to the NYForward guidance for the reopening of New York State, campgrounds must take precautions to ensure campers maintain appropriate social distancing and adhere to proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, including but not limited to maintaining six feet of distance between campers, unless wearing an acceptable face covering, and excluding persons from the same household who are camping together. Visit Reserve America for details. Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway Day Use AreaProspect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway will open July 1, and remain open seven days a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, DEC is taking the following precautions:
Visiting New York State’s Public Lands during the COVID-19 ResponseNew York State is encouraging people to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. New York State DEC and State Parks recommendations for getting outside safely incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases. While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:
DEC and State Parks also encourage visitors to state parks and state lands, and other parks to:
DEC Is Hiring Campground StaffDEC is seeking seasonal campground staff with all levels of experience and skill sets, including supervisors, security, maintenance, and cleaning staff, and booth workers. If interested, please send an email to campinfo@dec.ny.gov. |
Posted: June 26th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.