CAMPGROUNDS CLOSE
Public amenities in national forests are shuttered due to coronavirus
Note to readers: Although the federal government and the state of Arizona have issued no mandatory stay-at-home orders, we understand that many people are practicing social distancing and self-quarantine in reaction to the new coronavirus pandemic. This article is intended to acknowledge readers’ interest in activities they may be able to do while reducing contact with people outside of their households. Go to cdc.gov/coronavirus for guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consider the effect your travels could
have on others.
Campgrounds, cabins, visitor centers and other public amenities in Arizona national forests have closed in response to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Prescott and
Campgrounds in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are closed, including those near Woods Canyon Lake.
ROGER NAYLOR/SPECIAL TO THE REPBULIC
Tonto National Forests began closing all developed recreation sites on Monday, March 23, as part of the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The closures will remain in effect until further notice.
As of March 24, activities that support social distancing and activities that can be done in small groups — including hiking and biking on trails — are still available in many locations. For information, explore the Interactive Visitor Map at www.fs.fed.us/ivm.
Considering the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic, it is best to call ahead or go online and check conditions before visiting visit any public space.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor Anthony Madrid released the following statement about the closures.
“We know how much our communities and our visitors value the recreational opportunities the national forests have to offer,” Madrid wrote in an email. “This decision was not made lightly, but we believe people understand the serious risks posed by facilities that draw large numbers of people into close proximity with each other. We appreciate your patience and understanding of our efforts to mitigate those risks to protect public health and safety.”
What’s closed, open in Arizona national forests
Visitors who have made reservations at sites that require them will be notified about refunds as soon as possible. Check the forests’ website for the most current information.
Apache-Sitgreaves: Closed areas include all campgrounds (including restrooms) in the Black Mesa, Clifton, Lakeside and Springerville districts.
Details: www.fs.usda.gov/main/ asnf/home.
Coconino: Campgrounds, cabins, day-use areas and visitor centers are closed, as are Honanki, Palatki and VBar-V heritage sites.
Details: www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. Coronado: These rental cabins are closed: Palisades, Kent Springs, Kentucky, Half Moon Ranch, Portal Bunkhouse, Portal CCC House and Shaw House. The Sabino Canyon Recreation
Area visitor center and lower parking lot are also closed.
Details: www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. Kaibab: Some recreation and dayuse sites throughout the forest have been closed, including Sycamore Falls Climbing Area and the Kaibab Lake and Dogtown Lake day-use locations. Boat launches and parking remain open at Kaibab and Dogtown.
Details: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab. Tonto: Developed recreation areas throughout the forest are closed, including campgrounds and picnic areas in the Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, Payson, Pleasant Valley and Tonto Basin districts.
Details: tonto/home.
Prescott: All campgrounds, restrooms, cabins and other developed recreation facilities are closed. That includes popular sites such as Lynx Lake Campground.
Details: www.fs.usda.gov/prescott.
www.fs.usda.gov/main/