State park campgrounds reopen: Everything you need to know

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Governor Polis announced Monday that starting Tuesday, May 12, Coloradans may begin booking campsites at campgrounds in state parks where host counties would like them open.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife tweeted Monday, "this will be a phased approach to reopening, with campgrounds starting at 50% capacity."

Sites are told they must observe social distance and sanitation guidelines and accept campers by reservation only.

According to the Parks and Wildlife website, As camping becomes available, playgrounds, picnic areas, and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks will likely remain unavailable. Closures will be posted online and at the park until facilities reopen.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers, hunters, and all other people taking part in outdoor recreation that it is your responsibility to research and understand the specific guidance, ordinances and restrictions in place for any planned local recreation beforehand.

The governor noted this is not a request for counties to open their campgrounds, but if they choose to do so, counties can work with the Department of Public Health and Environment and Department of Natural Resources to do so as safely as possible.

Coloradans are still encouraged to recreate locally.

Our crews are headed to a press conference with Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials from the southeast region. We'll have the full story, including everything you need to know before booking a reservation, tonight on KRDO at five and six.