Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week announced a phased reopening of more state park and forest facilities in keeping with Gov. Tom Wolf’s direction to ensure Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and help maintain positive physical and mental health.
“With appropriate protocols in place to ensure safety and as staffing permits, this department continues working to reopen our state parks and forests so that Pennsylvanians can realize all benefits associated with being outdoors,” Dunn said.
“Some of our parks saw record attendance in April, and with warming weather, DCNR anticipates even more people seeking outdoors opportunities to connect with nature and exercise.”
In the latest counties announced as yellow May 15, as well as earlier additional counties announced as yellow, park and forest offices will open May 22. Tent and RV camping also will open May 22. Facilities such as cabins, cottages, lodges and yurts in most recent rounds of announced yellow counties will open June 12.
In counties first announced as yellow, park and forest district offices and tent and RV camping reopened May 15. Facilities, such as cabins, cottages, lodges and yurts, will open June 12. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County, also reopened May 15.
Regardless of any county color designation, all state parks and forests will now have at least one restroom in day use areas and in marinas statewide open to the public. Additional cleaning protocols are in place to help protect visitors.
In addition, the public can still access DCNR trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads and parking areas statewide for recreation. All nine marinas in state parks are open, or will be on their typical opening date.
Visit DCNR online for information.
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