State Park Closings For COVID-19
Updated: Apr 16, 2020
COVID-19 is changing the way people live across the globe. We have all had to make lifestyle changes because of it, but as the number of cases in the United States continues to rise more regulations are being put into place that go as far as restricting fishing.
Most states are reducing services to their parks at the very least and because of this it is important to bring your own hygiene items such as soap or sanitary wipes. It is also important to bring out whatever trash you bring in since there will be reduced trash pickup services in most places. Social distancing by at least 6 feet is a common theme across all parks, but here is a list of specific statuses and stipulations for each state. Click the link on states you are interested in for more info.
Alabama:
State parks: Open Stipulations: No groups larger than 10 people and social distance is required
Alaska:
State parks: Open Stipulations: No groups larger than 10 people and social distance is required
Arizona:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: No gatherings and the amount of people on trails may be limited
Arkansas:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Some areas may be closed and the amount of visitors will be limited.
California:
State Parks: Mostly Closed Stipulations: No vehicle access to the parks and restricted activities available to local visitors
Colorado:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Only visit parks local to you and social distancing is required
Connecticut:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: No groups greater than 5
Delaware:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Parks are free entry until April 30th
Florida:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closed on March 23rd until further notice
Georgia:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Hawaii:
State Parks: Mostly Closed Stipulations: Social distancing required at any remaining parks
Idaho:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: No groups larger than 10 people and social distancing is required
Illinois:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Fishing and wildlife areas are closed, but the governor's office put out a statement stating "As long as our sportsmen and women are fishing or hunting at a site which is currently open and they have the appropriate licenses and permits, they may continue to hunt and fish during the stay at home order."
Indiana:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Fishing tournaments are canceled
Iowa:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Kansas:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: No group gatherings Kentucky:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Louisiana:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Maine:
State Parks: Mostly Closed Stipulations: When spending time at open state parks practice social distancing
Maryland:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: FISHING IS PROHIBITED, unless you are legally catching fish as food
Massachusetts:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Michigan:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Minnesota:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing Mississippi:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closure from April 3rd until further notice
Missouri:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Parking lots will be closed when they reach capacity
Montana:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Some fishing piers may be closed
Nebraska:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Community fishing is listed under canceled events
Nevada:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
New Hampshire:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Groups of less than 10 people
New Jersey:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closed until further notice
New Mexico:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closure lasts until April 30th unless extension of the closure is needed
New York:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Some parks will have limited parking
North Carolina:
State Parks: Mostly Closed Stipulations: Practice social distancing
North Dakota:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Practice social distancing
Ohio:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Some parking areas may be limited
Oklahoma:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Chickasaw Park, a quality fishing spot, has restrictions
Oregon:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closed from May 23rd until further notice
Pennsylvania:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: It is recommended to not visit areas more than 15 minutes from one’s home.
Rhode Island:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closed from April 3rd until further notice, but State management areas are open
South Carolina:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Closed from May 28th to April 30th unless the closure must be extended
South Dakota:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: There may be some minor changes to fishing/hunting seasons
Tennessee:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: No estimated reopening date
Texas:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: Fishing is still encouraged close to home and outside of the parks
Utah:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Open only to local county residents with restrictions
Vermont:
State Parks: Mostly Open Stipulations: Some high traffic areas may be closed
Virginia:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Beaches are closed with the exception of exercise and fishing.
Washington:
State Parks: Closed Stipulations: this is including water access areas and is in effect until May 4th
West Virginia:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: Some high traffic areas will be closed
Wisconsin:
State Parks: Mostly closed Stipulations: There may be some changes to fishing/hunting seasons
Wyoming:
State Parks: Open Stipulations: There may be some changes to fishing/hunting seasons
As the status of the COVID-19 crisis changes so does the state park statuses and fishing regulations. Check the links for states you are interested in to stay up to date and even call their help number if you are unsure. We hope this helps! Stay safe, tight lines!