Minnesota DNR Canceled 25K Camping Reservations In April, May

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it had to cancel more than 25,000 camping reservations due to the statewide closures in April and May related to the coronavirus crisis. State parks, forests, and recreation areas were closed to campers in an effort to reduce travel and slow the spread of the virus.

As of June 15, DNR-run campsites across Minnesota have been reopened to the public.

Campers should come prepared with their own hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and other supplies for use at their campsites and available bathrooms, according to a news release.

The DNR will leave the following facilities and amenities closed until further notice:

• Beaches
• Pond-pools
• Housekeeping cabins
• Visitor centers
• Group centers
• Fire towers
• Large-group facilities (such as amphitheaters)
• Group tours and other scheduled interpretive programs.

Minnesotans are encouraged to use the following guidelines to minimize potential points of virus transmission:

• Travel as directly to destination as possible, and minimize stops along the way.
• Attempt to bring all needed supplies with you.
• If you do need to stop for gas or supplies, wear a cloth face covering.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching common surfaces (gas pumps, door handles, shared bathrooms, etc.).
• Do not travel if sick