Lake Monroe as seen from Clear Creek Township. (WFIU/WTIU News File)
Can you still enjoy the great outdoors during a pandemic?
Well, in Indiana you can – just with some restrictions. A City Limits: Coronavirus questioner wondered specifically about state campgrounds, but there will be a variety of changes to consider when heading outside this summer.
Indiana is known for its great hiking and beautiful state parks, and Hoosiers take advantage of the state’s natural beauty even more as the weather warms every year. In April, the Department of Natural Resources had to warn outdoor enthusiasts to maintain social distancing practices as DNR properties saw an increase crowds as spring weather moved in.
As Stage 3 of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s ‘Back On Track’ plan to reopen the state goes into effect in much of Indiana Friday, many DNR campgrounds, inns and other properties will be open and operating for Memorial Day weekend. State park beaches will open one day later on Saturday.
Lake, Marion and Cass counties are not permitted to move to Stage 3 until June 1, and Holcomb has stressed that local governments may enact more stringent social distancing restrictions as needed.
Monroe County is currently still in Stage 2 of the ‘Back On Track’ plan and plans to join the rest of the state in Stage 3 on June 1.
READ MORE: Indiana Moves Early To Next Reopening Stage; Monroe Co. Not Included
However, Paynetown SRA will be open this weekend, along with boat ramps and rentals. Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina will be open and is offering boat rentals.
Holcomb’s executive order notes that boating is only allowed with social distancing measures in place; but Stage 3 guidelines allow for social gatherings of up to 100 people.
Cabins and campsites can be reserved for dates beginning this weekend at the DNR’s website. Fire towers will remain closed, along with shelters and recreation buildings.
However, playgrounds across the state are to remain closed until Stage 4 of the governor’s plan, which is set to go into effect June 14.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
