CULLMAN, Ala. – Smith Lake Park Campground and other parks around the state of Alabama remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parks, including campgrounds, have been allowed to remain open while playgrounds remain closed and beaches only recently reopened with restrictions. Cullman County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Davenport said he and his staff are staying on top of all protocols set forth by the State of Alabama and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of camping at Smith Lake Park, Davenport said, “I’ve talked to Point Mallard, Guntersville, Oak Mountain and a few others. Their camping is about like we are. Camping is as usual, except for the playgrounds and their cabins.”
Cullman’s parks attract guests and campers from out of state and there are no restrictions regarding interstate travel.
Said Davenport, “I haven’t been told anything to do differently. I check with what the CDC is saying and the (Cullman County) Commission usually sends out a letter if they want something changed. They told me to just keep an eye on them and follow whatever the State is doing.”
He continued, “We are telling them (campers) to not be in groups of more than 10* and observe social distancing rules with other campers,” Davenport said. “That’s why you go camping, to sit around a fire by yourself, or get out and walk your dog or enjoy your family. If they are sitting outside, it’s like a couple or maybe their kids or something. They’ve got to have something to do. We are about to go crazy if they don’t get back to something being a little bit more normal.”
The offices at Sportsman Lake Park, Smith Lake Park and Stony Lonesome OHV Park are open, but guests cannot go inside. Each has a walk-up window to help visitors check in. Some amenities remain closed, such as train rides, putt-putt golf and pavilion rentals, but camping is still available.
*The restriction of groups larger than 10 will be lifted Monday, May 11.
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