Washington campgrounds to close Monday in effort to stop coronavirus spread

Washington campgrounds close in effort to stop coronavirus spread

By Emma Epperly

The Spokesman-Review

Washington state campgrounds closed Monday to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while day-use areas and trails will remain open.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, along with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, announced all state campgrounds would close until April 30.

No new campers will be allowed into the parks starting Monday and current campers will be phased out.

Park officials encouraged people to practice social distancing when outside, including on trails and at public beaches.

“Due to the volume of people visiting Washington ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid those areas,” the agency’s news release read.

The closure applies to lands belonging to all three agencies. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging people using their land to bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, due to increased theft and vandalism.