Colorado State Park Campgrounds Did Not Reopen May 4, Closure Extends

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is extending the closure of campgrounds in Colorado State Parks, 9NEWS reported.

Originally, CPW had announced on twitter that campgrounds would reopen May 4, however, 9NEWS says that the closure has been extended to at least May 11, but could be longer.

Colorado has 41 state parks, like Lory State Park and Boyd Lake State Park in Northern Colorado, and at this time they are open for recreational use, just not camping.

'Update May 4, 2020: Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds will remain closed until further notice. Agency staff is working on a reopening plan, but ask visitors to State Parks to remain flexible in their travel plans as we navigate a very uncertain time,' Colorado Parks and Wildlife said on its website.

This isn't necessarily because camping poses a health threat, as Governor Polis addressed with ski areas in his press conference on May 1. Ski areas, which are closed until at least May 23, and camping closures have more to do with staying close to home, so you don't risk infecting another community.

While Colorado is under a statewide Safer at Home Order, we're encouraged to stay within ten miles of where we live when recreating to help slow the spread of COVID-19.So far, Polis believes Colorado's social distancing measures have been successful for slowing the state's spread of the virus.

Larimer County did reopen parks for camping on May 1, including Horestooth and Carter Lake, however, cabins remained closed, and tent camping is not permitted at this time; campers only.

More about CPW camping closure extension from 9NEWS.