Those wishing to go camping at Lake Lanier or Lake Allatoona amid the COVID-19 pandemic will have to wait until at least June, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday.
In a news release, officials with the Corps’ Mobile district said coronavirus still poses a public health and safety concern to federal operations in the region, and that campground reservation cancellations will extend through May 31.
The extended cancellations will likely put a damper on the outdoor plans of those hoping to visit the popular destinations on Memorial Day weekend later this month.
“We understand that as the summer recreation season approaches, this latest update on the ongoing COVID-19 emergency comes as a disappointment to many,” officials wrote. “However, the Corps’ highest priority ... is the health and safety of the visiting public, and the safety of our staff and volunteers.”
Officials said the decision to reopen recreation areas will be dependent on local conditions and measured by data collected by local, state and national health officials.
“We will continue to monitor each recreation area and reopen when conditions warrant,” the release said. “Please note that the COVID-19 emergency is not yet over, potentially necessitating further change to the campground reservation availability at a later date.”
Campers who had reservations at areas that remain closed will automatically receive full refunds, officials said. Those refunds could take up to 10 business days from the start of the reservation date to be credited.
Though visitor centers, campgrounds and beaches remain closed, park guests are reminded that boat launches, nature trails and viewing areas are still accessible.
Additional information is available on the Army Corps of Engineers website.
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