From staff reports
Allegheny National Forest closed campgrounds until further notice Thursday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All campgrounds, group-use areas, bathrooms and other facilities have been closed indefinitely for the health and safety of visitors and staff,” the Forest Service said in a press release.
Closed restrooms and facilities will be clearly marked with signage and/or gated. Signs with contact information for visitors if they have questions will also be in place.
Willow Bay Campground, restrooms and facilities are also temporarily closed and unavailable.
In addition, restroom services in dispersed and developed recreation sites across the forest won’t be provided.
Trailheads, undeveloped recreation sites, dispersed camping and boat launches remain open for public use.
The Forest Service is asking visitors to practice good hygiene and social distancing while in the forest. Visitors are also asked not to leave trash behind.
Notifications to renters who reserved sites using recreation.gov will be made as soon as possible, and refunds will be processed by the Forest Service’s concessionaire, Allegheny Site Management at www.alleghenysite.com.
Reservation holders will be notified via email if there are changes affecting their reservation, the Forest Service said.
Marienville Ranger District
Closed sites at the Marienville Ranger District include Loleta Recreation Area, Kelly Pines Campground, Twin Lakes Recreation Area, Timberline ATV Trailhead, Marienville ATV Trailhead, Rocket John ATV Trailhead and Brush Hollow Trailhead and Trail System.
“As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, health and safety is our number one priority,” the press release said. “We are committed to continuing to support our communities and fulfill our mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19. These actions have been taken based on the best available advice per CDC guidelines and to promote social distancing,” the press release added.
Additional information can be found on the Forest’s website or Facebook page.
Contact information for offices is available at www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny.