Update On PA State Parks: Beaches To Reopen, Playgrounds Closed

HARRISBURG, PA — All 58 state park beaches will be open to swimming starting June 6, officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Thursday.

State park pools will remain closed through at least June 12, with most in designated yellow and green counties reopening June 13.

Capacity at beaches and pools will be limited to 50 percent of the normal facility capacity. Additional mitigation measures will be in place, including parking restrictions and social distancing. Everyone must wear face masks when not in the water.

“Water-based activity is an integral part of the state park experience in Pennsylvania and, with appropriate protocols in place to ensure safety and as staffing permits, this department continues to reopen its state parks and forests so that Pennsylvanians can realize all the benefits of being outdoors,” Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn said in a statement announcing the phased reopening.

All state parks and forests now have at least one restroom open to the public in day-use areas. Trails, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, roads, and parking areas are also open statewide for recreation.

Family campground sites and park offices have begun to reopen. On May 29, campgrounds at 18 state parks moving into the yellow phase will reopen. Facilities such as cabins, cottages, lodges, and yurts will be opening statewide on June 12.

But all picnic pavilion reservations, playgrounds, nature play areas, interpretive centers, amphitheaters, and group camping facilities will remain closed until further notice.

For specific details about the status of marinas and boat concessions at individual parks, you should call the state park directly.

All programs and events at state parks in counties that are designated red are canceled through June 15. In counties designated yellow, events with more than 25 people will be canceled.

Pennsylvania has 121 state parks and 20 forest districts. You can view a full list here.