Camping Closed | North Carolina, Illinois & (Possibly) Florida State Parks
Camping is closed at more state parks in the USA. As the COVID-19 virus spreads, state-run facilities are closing by the day.
North Carolina and Illinois have officially joined the list of campground closures.
On Monday evening the North Carolina State Park Twitter account posted, “…facilities at NC State Parks, including visitor centers & campgrounds, will suspend public operations beginning Tues., Mar. 17. Trails & restrooms will remain open.”
Likewise, Illinois’ official tweet read, “the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the closure of all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas, and historic sites as well as the cancellation of upcoming scheduled events.”
Are Florida State Parks Open for Camping?
UPDATE: The Florida State Park website has updated their policy today. As of March 17th, camping reservations will be closed for 60 days.
Rootless Magazine (with a comprehensive state park campground status list), was the first to report this closure.
Their resource states:
We’ve heard from multiple sources (including Workampers & Guests) that Florida State Parks are closing down Friday, March 20th. They will be closed for 60 days & ResereAmerica should be in contact with you if you have an affected reservation during the time. – Rootless Living
Many States are using public campgrounds a isolation centers
Louisiana, Georgia and California have selected certain public RV parks and campgrounds to act as coronavirus isolation centers.
A beachfront RV park in Playa Del Rey operated by the county is isolating the infected in onsite RV. Up to 50 RVs are being delivered to the site.
Georgia is hosting patients in an isolated portion of Hard Labor Creek State Park – however, the campground is still hosting campers.
Bayou Segnette in New Orleans is also housing infected.
The Best FREE Camping in the USA
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.
Jackie paumier
Saturday 21st of March 2020
I am a fl snowbird in a private rv park. Should we head back to ohio because of corno
Private RV Parks Closed by Local Government - RV Living
Saturday 21st of March 2020
[…] the nationwide closures of many public campgrounds, the City of Marfa (Texas) and Presidio County are forcing multiple privately-owned RV parks to […]
Cathy
Saturday 21st of March 2020
Exactly, we are full timers at a park in SC. There are maybe 20 plus here that are also full timers. And so many other full timers all over this country.. As we heard about the virus we have been getting our site fixed up with outside furniture and flowers to do a.stay in place.. And then i get an email that says , parks may be forced to closed..where do they expect people to go? Not everyone camps for a few.days and heads back home. This is our home.
Social Distancing: National Park Service Waive Fees to Encourage Outdoor Activity
Wednesday 18th of March 2020
[…] is a much different approach than many State Parks have taken. Florida, in addition to others, have closed their state parks for 30 […]
JJ
Wednesday 18th of March 2020
Florida State Park are definitely closing. We were at Manatee Springs State Park yesterday. We were told that we must leave by Friday morning. We had reservations for all if March, April and half of May. They are not reopening until after May 15th.