COVID19 Considerations for Customers and Visitors:
When camping, skiing, hiking, exploring the backcountry, or engaging in
any other outdoor recreation, visitors should make sure they plan ahead.
Plan your travel in a safe and responsible way. Be mindful that backcountry
and rescue operations require many emergency responders and extra
demands on those healthcare resources puts everyone at risk.
When possible, visitors should make reservations and purchase permits,
firewood, ice, and other items online or by phone before arriving on site.
Cash-less and minimal-contact transactions are becoming a common
operating procedure in many establishments to avoid lines and person-to-person
interactions. This will help protect visitors and workers.
Visitors should be prepared to be as self-contained and self-sufficient as
possible. For example, arrive prepared with your own recreational
equipment, if possible, soap, surface disinfectant supplies, hand sanitizer,
paper towels/hand towels, and toilet paper. It is also advisable to bring
disinfecting wipes to clean up before and after use of common facilities.
Bring your own sports equipment, towels, ski gear, first aid supplies, and
other items needed for outdoor recreation whenever possible. Visitors
should bring plastic table cloths for picnic tables that can be disposed of
or taken back home for washing.
To ensure physical distancing can be maintained, visitors should set up their
campsite or picnic areas to maximize distance from adjacent campsites
and picnic sites that host people from different households.
Visitors should be prepared to follow all rules and updated policies at
campgrounds, RV parks, ski operators, and other outdoor recreational
areas, including public parks, walking trails, and marinas. These new rules
and policies could include:
Come to the park or facility prepared. Many programs and facilities will
be canceled or closed, so visitors should check online resources for
updated information about rule changes and closures to know what to
expect upon arrival. For example, some outdoor recreation areas may
not open immediately due to the time required for gates to be
unlocked, sites to be serviced, and potential for crowding.
Observe all cleaning protocols for self-service facilities and amenities
before using them.
Leave furniture, such as picnic tables and chairs, as they were found as
park workers may have appropriately spaced these items to
encourage physical distancing.
Follow directional signage – e.g., wait your turn and abide by capacity
limits – that will promote physical distancing in buildings, at overlooks,
and around other confining spaces.