MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin campgrounds closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic reopen starting Wednesday, but it won’t be business as usual.
Campers will have to make reservations ahead of time, won’t be able to purchase firewood on site and all buildings, observation towers, playgrounds, concessions and rentals will be closed. But bathrooms will be open as will the reason most campers come to the parks — the trails, boat launches, beaches and outdoor recreation areas.
If parks reach capacity, just as has been done since they reopened, they may be closed temporarily until crowding eases, said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole on Tuesday.
“Concessions won’t be open, so you’ve gotta bring your bug spray, the food you eat, band aids and bandages,” Cole said.
Bathrooms will be cleaned daily, and spot checked, and some drinking fountains may be capped but water will be available for people to use to fill jugs and other containers, Cole said. Firewood won’t be for sale in the parks, and it can’t be brought from father than 10 miles away, so campers are encouraged to buy it within 10 miles of the parks.
So far, parks have had few issues with people not adhering to social distancing guidelines to prevent spread of the virus, Cole said.
