DENVER — Even though Denver's stay-at-home order expires May 8, Coloradans will have to wait a bit longer to camp at state parks.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced that the closure of all state campgrounds and facilities has been extended through at least May 11. The closure also includes yurts, cabins, and camping at State Wildlife Areas.
CPW said it's also possible campground closures could be extended even longer in an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Staff are working on a reopening plan but ask that visitors remain flexible with travel times.
“We understand the strain these continued closures put on all of us, and we appreciate the public’s flexibility as we work through the process of reopening,” said Dan Prenzlow, Director of CPW. “Our staff is working hard to make sure we can provide safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone.”
CPW said it's working to implement system-wide safety protocols related to social distancing in campgrounds. Coordination with federal and local municipal partners, along with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), has made predicting opening dates a challenge as each county faces its own unique circumstances, CPW said.
The decision to extend the campground closure was also based on Gov. Jared Polis' safer-at-home order, which went into effect April 27 and asks that people recreate within 10 miles of their homes.
CPW said limiting travel for recreation helps minimize the strain of visitors on small mountain communities and creates less burden for our search and rescue and emergency responders.
Those who made reservations to camp through May 11 should be receiving a full refund.
Non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails, boat ramps, marinas, and shorelines remain open but CPW has closed all playgrounds, picnic areas, and dispersed camping for the time being.
>WATCH ABOVE: Some state parks are seeing crowds that typically don't come until summer.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Guide