Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Opening Summer Camping Season in July: Report

Campers in Connecticut will be back at the campgrounds in just a few short weeks. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that camping will be open for the summer season starting July 8.

Currently, DEEP staffers are working to prepare campgrounds. This involves making locations safe according to health guidelines. Staffers are being hired and trained specifically to clean bathrooms and other facilities to the required standards. These standards include protective gear and making changes to camp office buildings, according to NBC Connecticut.

Have a Park Reservation?

Campers with RVs at DEEP campgrounds will be able to keep their reservations for dates starting July 1. Tent and RV camping will be available on July 8. Online reservations will be available starting June 20. Also, DEEP is refunding those with reservations that fall before these dates.

Commissioner Katie Dykes explains the reasoning behind the decision to reopen the parks. “It is important that our state offer as many outdoor opportunities as possible for people to enjoy, provided we can do so safely,” she said.

Dykes also took the opportunity to share her gratitude towards the park staffers’ efforts. “I am especially appreciative of the hard work by our parks staff to get ready for the camping season,” she said. “There are many steps needed this year to keep our staff and the public safe, and our team will be working hard leading up to the July 8 opening to ensure a positive and safe visitor experience.”

When Was Camping Season Supposed to Begin?

The camping season originally begin on May 22. However, on May 12, DEEP announced closures through June 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic, CT Post reports. Fortunately for campers, the park closures are not being extended.

Connecticut is one of many states undergoing phased reopening of parks and campgrounds. Across the country, campers and visitors should expect parks to have restrictions or limited access.

[H/T NBC Connecticut, CT Post]

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