Camping and group recreation sites on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests have been closed indefinitely for the health and safety of visitors and staff, the Forestry Service announced Saturday.
In response to guidance from state of Georgia health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), camping and group recreation sites will be closed effective today, March 21. This will include picnic pavilions and all restrooms, including at recreation sites and trailheads.
“As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority,” says Acting Forest Supervisor Edward Hunter. “We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.”
In addition to closing camping and group recreation sites, all Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests offices are operating virtually until further notice. This means most employees are teleworking and are no longer doing any business in person. To protect the health and safety of employees and customers, the offices also are not scheduling face-to-face meetings. Customers needing information, permits, and maps are encouraged to visit the website or call the nearest office during regular business hours for assistance:
Chatsworth 706-695-6736
Blairsville 706-745-6928
Lakemont 706-754-6221
Eatonton 706-485-7110
Gainesville 770-297-3000
Notifications to visitors making reservations through Recreation.gov will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.
Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High-risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided.
Georgia State Parks remain open
State Parks managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remain open.
“Safety is our utmost priority, so we want to assure you that facilities are being properly sanitized and restrooms are well stocked with soap,” states a notice on the DNR website posted March 20.
State parks are using social-distancing – keeping individuals six feet away from one another in public, shared spaces. Ranger programs are being modified and limited to 10 participants or less. Visitor centers and museums are limiting the number of people inside, moving check-in stations outside and making other modifications as well, the DNR says.
Overnight guests may pay remaining balances online and use the RA Camping App to check-in before going straight to their cabin, campsite or yurt.
If checking in to a locked facility, call park offices to receive additional instructions.
In-person check-in stations are being moved outside park offices. DNR is waiving cancellation fees and offering full refunds or transfers for arrival dates through April 7.
Some partner-operated sites may have reduced hours and closures. It is advisable to contact the park you plan to visit ahead of time to find out if and when they’re open.
Contact information for Georgia’s state parks may be found on the DNR website at gastateparks.org.
Editor’s Note: As of March 26, 2020, all DNR-managed sites remained open with limited access to buildings.
