Overcrowding At 2 Bucks Co. State Parks Prompts Alert

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Several Pennsylvania state parks, including two in Bucks County, are experiencing overcrowding, prompting officials to issue an alert over the weekend.

According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which operates the facilities, a number parks and forest recreation areas "are seeing significant crowding during the weekends."

Officials say an "extraordinary number of people" visiting the parks is leaving staff with no choice but to turn visitors away. Overflow parking also may be closed to help ensure proper social distancing.

Parks that were overcrowded and had to turn people away include several in suburban Philadelphia, including Tyler State Park and Washington Crossing.

State parks that are reaching capacity, and experiencing unsafe overcrowding and/or turning away visitors on the weekends include:

• Beltzville -- most overcrowding, visitors should consider Tuscarora, Tobyhanna, and Gouldsboro State Parks for swimming and picnicking alternatives
• Codorus
• Keystone
• Marsh Creek
• Ohiopyle
• Presque Isle
• Ricketts Glen
• Tyler
• Washington Crossing

State forests areas that are reaching capacity and turning away visitors include:

• Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Pinchot State Forest
• Rock Run in Loyalsock State Forest

At Seven Tubs Recreation Area, things have gotten so crowded that the DCNR had to bring in staff from other areas to assist with management and clean up. “We are seeing significant increases in visitors looking to stay cool and enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors at Seven Tubs, and we are implementing some practices to make sure they can do it safely, and to minimize the impacts they have on the natural resources,”DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

To find an alternative state park for outdoor recreation, go here.