SAVANNAH, Ga. – Phased reopening of campgrounds and additional boat ramps at reservoirs owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers along the Savannah River will take place May 15 and May 18, 2020. Playgrounds, beaches, shelters and life jacket loaner stands will remain closed until further notice. Visitor centers at all three projects will remain closed to the public.
The gradual reopening will vary based on the ability to ensure visitors and Corps of Engineers staff remain safe and can continue to reduce the spread of the novel corona virus and COVID 19. Before opening facilities, workers will conduct a thorough cleaning of restrooms, showers and other common-use items.
Restrooms at boat ramps currently in use will be re-opened. Additional boat ramps not associated with closed day-use areas will reopen. Visitors must bring their own soap and hand sanitizer and paper towels when using restrooms.
► Campers must make all reservations through the Recreation.gov website. No cash collection, on-site reservations or future reservations will be taken on site.
► Visitors with camping reservations should print their registration form before arriving at the campgrounds. This will help limit transferring material between the public and the campground staff.
► Individuals camping in trailers and motorhomes with shower and restroom facilities should use the facilities in their trailer or motorhome to assist in ensuring proper social distancing and to reduce occupancy at the restroom-shower houses in the campgrounds.
► Visitors must bring their own soap and hand sanitizer and paper towels when using restrooms.
► Visitors must follow social distancing guidance established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state or local limits.
► Congregating in groups of more than 10 will not be allowed.
► Campsite occupancy is limited to 10 per campsite.
► Only registered campers will be allowed in the campgrounds.
Areas opening and their dates for J. Strom Thurmond Lake:
Site
|
Date of Opening
|
Restrictions
|
Below Dam South Carolina
|
15 May
|
Shelter and playground are closed. Restroom Occupancy limited to 2.
Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.
|
Scott’s Ferry Boat Ramp
|
15 May
|
Vault toilet – no water available; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.
|
Mt. Pleasant Boat Ramp
|
Keg Creek Boat Ramp
|
Petersburg Campground
|
18 May
|
Restroom/Shower House Occupancy limited to 2. Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.
|
Modoc Campground
|
Ridge Road Campground
|
Winfield Campground
|
Hawe Creek Campground
|
Areas opening and their dates for Hartwell Lake:
Site
|
Date of Opening
|
Restrictions
|
Watsadler Campground
|
18 May
|
Restroom/Shower House Occupancy limited to 2.
Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.
.
|
Paynes Creek Campground
|
Springfield Campground
|
Coneross Campground
|
Oconee Point Campground
|
Crescent Campground
|
Twin Lakes Campground
|
The Corps of Engineers leases all recreation areas at Richard B. Russell Lake to state and local agencies. Check with those agencies for availability of recreation facilities.
Day-use fees, including boat ramp fees, are waived until October 2020. Day-use areas remain closed but may reopen later.
The commander of the Savannah District reserves the right to close any or all facilities or limit their use, should doing so be in the best interest of public health and safety.
As always, the Corps of Engineers urges all visitors to wear a life jacket whenever in, on or near the water.
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