Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Rend Lake, including North and South Sandusky, South Marcum, and Gun Creek will open at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020.
As campgrounds open for the 2020 recreation season, visitors will encounter additional physical and procedural changes implemented to promote the health and safety of visitors, contractors, volunteers, and Corps of Engineers employees. The following changes have been implemented:
Reservation and Registration:
· All campsites will be converted to a 100% reservable/0-day minimum reservation system. No “first come, first served” or 28 day sites will be offered. Converting campsites to 100% reservable with 0-day minimum advance for reservations will make it safer for campers and staff and to comply with CDC social distancing guidelines.
· A reservation must be made prior to setting up on a campsite. Reservations may be made on the day of arrival online at www.recreation.gov, by using the Recreation One Stop smart phone app, or in person at the fee booth.
· Payment for reservations will be by credit card/debit card only. Cash or checks will not be accepted as a form of payment.
· Gate attendants will no longer take physical hold of a customer’s identification, America the Beautiful pass, or other documents. Customers will hold items up to the acrylic guard for the attendant to view.
· The Dale Miller group camping area will remain closed until regional limits on size of gatherings is lifted.
Scheduled Facility Cleaning:
· Restroom and shower facilities will be available and will be cleaned routinely as recommended by the CDC.
· Additional sanitizing will be completed during the day by park hosts.
· If available, campers are strongly encouraged to use the restroom and shower facilities in their camping unit to the fullest extent.
· All visitors should bring hand soap, cleaning wipes, and/or hand sanitizer and are encouraged to wipe down surfaces prior to using.
Areas Remaining Closed until further notice:
· Picnic shelters
· North Marcum Day Use and Boat Ramp
· South Sandusky Beach and Boat Ramp
· Dale Miller Group Camping Area
· Playgrounds
Physical Changes:
· Acrylic guards have been installed at each of the fee booth windows and over the credit-card machines.
· Signs and banners, reminding visitors with social distancing requirements, will be displayed at various locations around the park.
Visitors Guidelines:
· Limit gatherings to less than 10 people and avoid crowded areas.
· Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other visitors. If a 6 foot distance cannot be maintained, both parties should wear a face covering.
· Stay home if you feel sick, have signs or symptoms, or have been sick in the last two weeks.
· Always wear a life jacket when recreating in, on, or around the water.
The staff of the Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake would like to remind visitors to think about others and follow guidelines for safe recreating. Your actions will help make this an enjoyable recreation season for all. For further information, feel free to contact the Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493.
