ONEIDA, Tenn. — The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is increasing access to campgrounds in June.
Beginning Wednesday, June 3, Bandy Creek Campground, Bandy Creek Group Campground, and Station Camp Campground will be open. Reservations can only be made at www.recreation.gov at this time.
The visitors center remains closed.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Big South Fork, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.” While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
Previous story May 5, 2020
Trails and backcountry camping are now open in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
It's been closed since April 6 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restroom facilities, campgrounds, Charit Creek Lodge, Bandy Creek Stables, and visitor centers remain closed at this time.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. At Big South Fork, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.”
Other operations will be phased in over time.
Original story
The National Park Service announced Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will be closed to all visitors until further notice effective at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 6.
This action comes in response to letters from county and state health services departments.
No entry will be allowed on park property, except to employees, residents, and other authorized persons. Through traffic is permitted, according to a release from the park.
The health and safety of employees, residents, volunteers, and partners, as well as park visitors, at Big South Fork NRRA is the number one priority, according to the park service. The NPS is working service-wide with federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The National Park Service listened to the concerns from our local partners and, based on current health guidance, temporarily closed the park,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. “We are committed to continued close coordination with our state and local partners as we progress through this closure period and are prepared when the timing is right to reopen as quickly and safely as possible.”
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on its website. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.