IPNF temporarily closes campgrounds to limit COVID-19 spread

Effective Saturday, March 28, many or most developed campgrounds and certain other recreation sites on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests will be closed until further notice for the health and safety of visitors and staff.

A full list of restricted areas is available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices

“As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, the health and safety of visitors, as well as Forest Service employees and volunteers is our number one priority,” officials said in a press release. “We are working to meet the guidelines for cleaning and to promote social distance per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To support these efforts, rental cabins will be temporarily closed to public entry indefinitely until further notice and will be closed and unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov. Notification to cabin renters will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.”

IPNF officials said they are committed to continuing to support the communities and fulfill its mission as everyone all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.

The actions were taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and to promote social distancing. officials said in the press release.

Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger district office with additional questions.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part, or all of our reservable facilities to ensure safe social distancing, reservation holders will receive a full refund for their reservation.

“Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers,” the release states.