TEXAS STATE PARKS TO ALLOW LIMITED OVERNIGHT CAMPING STARTING MAY 18TH; USACE TO BEGIN REOPENING RECREATION AREAS

  

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are reopening more sites that were previously closed due to COVID-19.

Beginning May 18^th, Texas State Parks will resume limited overnight camping.  The gradual reopening of overnight reservations will be limited at all parks to varying degrees depending on individual park occupancy, in order to align with safe practices currently followed in the state.

Some existing reservations will be honored, but no new reservations can be made for now.  TPWD officials say this is to prevent overcrowding, manage continued social distancing, and safeguard public health.  The public will be notified once new reservations can be booked.  Texas State Parks will continue to operate at a limited capacity.

Meanwhile, the USACE Fort Worth District will begin a phased re-opening of recreation areas starting tomorrow (Thursday).  While day use areas will be open, visitor centers, lake offices, playgrounds, courts, and group shelter areas will remain closed until further notice.  Campsites will be available for reservations no later than June 1^st.

Information on Texas State Parks, along with reservations, is available online at www.texasstateparks.org.  Information on USACE sites can be found at https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm, while campground reservations can be made by visiting www.recreation.gov.