COVID 19 Updates: Get Outside Safely, Responsibly, and Locally
Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, swim, ride a bicycle, fish, hunt, go horseback riding, go boating, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household and family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Parks and DEC public facilities may be closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, many parks, grounds, forests, and trails are open seven days a week. However, on a case-by-case basis, DEC and State Parks may close certain trails and areas to recreation if density pressures do not allow for appropriate social distancing.
When visiting a state park, keep the following guidance in mind:
- Visitors should continue to maintain 6 feet of distance between parties -- including beach blankets and chairs;
- Follow guidance to maintain social distance including signage, distance markers, directional arrows, and physical barriers;
- Unvaccinated visitors should wear a face covering when unable to maintain social distance outdoors;
- For the safety of park staff, all visitors are required to wear a face covering inside park buildings;
Below are some specifics for State Park visitors:
Parking: Beaches and trailheads will be busy. Even at full operating capacity, many state beaches and parks may fill to capacity on warm, sunny days. Anyone parking outside of designated areas will be ticketed. Plan ahead and make a list of alternate destinations. Visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ for a list of parks.
Restrooms: Public restrooms may be limited. Visitors should plan accordingly and call the park office for more information.
Cabins, Cottages and Yurts: State Parks has implemented an enhanced COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing protocol at the conclusion of each reservation that may require a two-day reduction in weekly reservations to allow staff adequate time to perform these tasks for the health and safety of our visitors. Stays may also be subject to 5 PM check-in, 10 AM check-out times.
2021 Camping: New York State Park campsites, cabins, cottages, and yurts are currently opening as scheduled for the 2021 season. Effective May 15 - Columbus Day, same-day reservations will be allowed until 3pm on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the call center. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
Golf:Operating schedules will differ across the state. Call the course directly for current information.
Boat Launches and Marinas: Marinas and boat launch sites are open where conditions allow. Call the park or regional office directly for current status.
Travel Advisory: Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
for more information on the advisory.
While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH's guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:
- Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing;
- Practice social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, even when outdoors;
- Unvaccinated visitors should wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing;
- Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or high-fives;
- Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available; and
- Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails.