Jefferson County Suspends All New Camping Reservations

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jeffco Open Space is suspending all new camping reservations until further notice, parks officials said in a public notice Friday.

County parks are continuing to see a surge of visitors as gyms and other recreational centers remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The increased visitation has demanded staff resources, as well as campground management taking Park Rangers away from other essential duties of managing visitor safety and resource protection during peak times," the public notice read.

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All existing camping reservations will be honored, but no new camping reservations will be accepted.

"Thank you for your understanding," the notice read.

Rangers, ecologists and staff members with Boulder, Denver and Jefferson counties' open space agencies have seen plant damage and widened trails as many hikers step off the trails to adhere to social distancing rules, officials said.

Declining tax revenue will likely decrease overall open space maintenance efforts as the high visitation continues, the parks and open space agencies said.

Those who visit parks are asked to wear masks, avoid crowded areas and park only in designated parking areas.

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This article originally appeared on the Lakewood Patch

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