May 1, 2020 |
Wyoming State Parks will open on May 15th to state residents only, but you’ll need to book your campsite.
State Parks Director Darin Westby yesterday presented the details of what he called a strategic and data-driven plan. Campgrounds in other states around the region are still closed.
When parks reopen, Westby said he wants to avoid a repeat of what happened this winter when overnight camping at state parks reached levels normally seen in June.
Governor Mark Gordon said earlier this week that license plates from states as far away as New York and New Jersey were spotted in Wyoming parks this winter.
Westby said the opening plan conforms to social distancing guidelines in order to keep visitors and staff safe from large gathering type situations where the coronavirus is prone to spread.
The reservation system will require contact information, such as a cell phone number, for users of camp site. Credit cards will be used to reduce the amount of cash that staff has to handle. While reserving a campsite will be new for some in Wyoming, Westby said many will find it offers some peace of mind before heading out on a weekend trip.
On the downside, unoccupied sites won’t be available on a first come, first serve basis. If you do pull into a park without a reservation, you can book an unreserved site on the spot with a phone call. Transactions will be cashless, even for day use, and sites will be patrolled to ensure compliance.
No more than 10 persons per site will be allowed. Cabins and yurts will be available for three-day reservations, Friday through Sunday. Westby said the process of getting the parks ready for the May 15th opening have already begun. More information is available at Wyoming State Parks official website.
Click here to view the Wyoming State Parks Reservations Page
Related: State park campgrounds will open to Wyoming residents May 15th
Photo courtesy of Wyoming State Parks.
