BOONE, Iowa—Campers were waiting for the gates to open Friday morning at the Ledges State Park and restrictions on camping were lifted by Governor Kim Reynolds. The DNR has noted that there are several guidelines in place to help meet the social distancing criteria sought by the Governor. A Friday afternoon press release for the Iowa DNR encouraged people to check the DNR website before visiting and parks or camp grounds:
As campgrounds begin opening up today to walk-in, first come, first served, campers with self-contained restrooms, and visitors continue to take advantage of state parks, the DNR is encouraging everyone to check the DNR website for temporary closures before traveling to any of these areas.
Some parks and campgrounds have closures due to construction or maintenance projects, maintenance etc., so it’s important to check the closure website ahead of time.
DNR parks staff will be closely monitoring parks and campground areas and remind visitors and campers to obey physical distancing guidelines and other guidelines released earlier this week by the DNR.
Some pit latrines in high use areas will be open, but all other restrooms, drinking fountains and shower houses will remain closed. Park visitors for day use areas, should utilize specific and designated parking lots and not park on the sides of roads or trails, as well as obey all posted signage.
Today, the DNR’s reservation system for reservable campgrounds opened up online to begin making reservations starting Monday, May 11.
Iowa has 68 state parks and 4 state forests for visitors to enjoy with hiking trails, lake recreation and camping, to learn more visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks or www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping
Meanwhile, Tanner Scheuermann, Executive Director for Boone County Conservation says the Conservation Board and staff felt some additional time was need to get prepared. They posted an announcement on their Facebook page:
Boone County Camping update: Don Williams and Swede Point will open for camping on WEDNESDAY, May 13th. The Boone County Conservation Board has decided it is in the Conservation Board’s and the public’s best interest to be adequately prepared before opening our campgrounds for recreational use. Due to electrical upgrades campground C will not be open till further notice.
See the following for additional information:
Although the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has made the decision to open State campgrounds on Friday, May 8th, Don Williams Recreation Area & Swede Point campgrounds will remain closed to the public until Wednesday, May 13th, 2020. Given the new guidelines put in place by the IDPH and the Governor’s office for opening campgrounds, the Boone County Conservation Board has decided it is in the Conservation Board’s and the public’s best interest to be adequately prepared before opening our campgrounds for recreational use. New Rules and regulations will be posted in our parks referring to these new guidelines once we open campgrounds on May 13th. All public programming will remain canceled or postponed until further notice. Cabin and shelter reservations will continue to be suspended until May 16th as well. While our facilities may be closed, our parks, trails, and wildlife areas will remain open at this time.
Our staff is working diligently to prepare our campgrounds and other facilities to open under these new guidelines and we will continue to monitor this situation as things are changing frequently.
Our top priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of Boone County Conservation visitors, program attendees, volunteers, and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation
(contributed articles and photo)
