Campers are packing their bags and getting ready to put up their tents as campgrounds reopen in San Luis Obiso County.
California State Parks is welcoming back guests to several campgrounds, including Morro Bay State Park, Hearst San Simeon Park, and Morro Strand State Beach after getting the green light to reopen.
“We’ve had so many camping trips canceled and finally we can make it. I think the last time we camped was November of 2019," said Ben Taylor, a San Luis Obispo resident.
Reservations are required and walk-ins are not welcome on state park campgrounds.
“The check-in process so far has gone really smooth and we’re staying within all of health and safety protocols that we have in place," said Sean Lia, the Supervising Ranger Sergeant of Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument.
Hearst San Simoen State Park is implementing a new cleaning system to ensure sanitation in campground bathrooms.
“They open up the restrooms, they spray the disinfectant inside, then the restrooms are locked. They sit for about 10 minutes and then they are opened back up once that disinfectant has been able killed germs and dry up," Lia said.
Public health orders are being enforced as well, including social distancing, masks, and a limit of eight people per campsite.
“I feel good about it," Taylor said. "We’re outside!”
Outdoor endeavors like cutting up wood and making a fire are some camping favorites for Ventura resident Benjamin Ott.
“I love the smell of course," Ott said.
Morro Bay State Park was packed with reservations Saturday afternoon and park rangers said they nearly reached full capacity of their 135 sites .
Hearst San Simeon State Park rangers said their reservations are at 85% this weekend, but anticipate numbers to increase in the coming months.
"We really want our visitors to come in and enjoy the fact that we’re open for business and it’s just one step closer getting back to normal," Lia said.
For more information on how to visit and park and make a reservation, click here.
