A tent and camper setup in front of fall colored mountains.

Colorado state parks will begin to slowly and methodically reopen campgrounds beginning this week, just in time for summer. “We are limiting and spacing out campgrounds. A lot of our campground won’t be more than 50% full because we want to have plenty of distance,” a Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson said. “That’s a big difference folks are going to see.”

While some state parks are once again welcoming back campers, national parks remain closed to overnight guests. A timeline on when they will begin to reopen is not known. Polis said he would discuss the matter during his trip to Washington Wednesday, where he will meet with President Donald Trump to discuss additional resources.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife provided the following guidelines:

• Feeling sick? Stay home. Don’t go if you or anyone in your household feels sick or are having any COVID-19 related symptoms. If you or anyone in your party starts to feel sick while you are camping, go home.
• Wash your hands. If you use a public restroom, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Bring hand sanitizer. Bring hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and use it often. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Give some space. Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others not in your household group. Do not congregate near bathrooms or water sources.
• Wear a face covering. If you must stop at a gas station or store, wear a cloth face covering at all times.
• Don’t be caught off guard. Bring a cloth face covering every time you leave your campsite, and wear it when there’s a chance that you may encounter others, such as out on the trail or in the woods.
• No touching. Without thinking about it, we touch our own face A LOT. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent potential spread of the virus.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
• Keep a clean campsite. Place trash in plastic trash bags and properly dispose of your trash in available trash containers. If trash service isn’t provided at your campsite, bring it home with you.
• Keep pets in your immediate control. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and maintain at least 6 feet from other people and animals. Avoid contact with other campers’ pets.
• Have patience and be kind to others. Remember, we’re all in this together and tensions are high. Keep your distance, be courteous, and perhaps send a wave to your neighbors when you pass their campsite, and have fun!

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