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Arkansas state parks fill with RV campers on first day campsites reopen


DeGray Lake State Park Resort was completely booked the first weekend RV camping became available again (KATV){p}{/p}
DeGray Lake State Park Resort was completely booked the first weekend RV camping became available again (KATV)

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Friday was the first day RV camping was allowed at Arkansas State Parks after parks were closed due to COVID-19 in March.

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, Bismark's DeGray Lake State Park Resort saw a steady stream of RVs pulling in to camp. Park officials said the park’s 82 campsites were completely booked for the weekend.

“We’re just glad to be camping,” camper Nathan Hobby said. “Glad they opened it up.”

When the chance finally came to take out the RV, the Hobby family took it.

“We’ll hopefully catch some big fish,” Pepper Hobby said, laughing.

Park interpreter David Armstrong said it doesn’t surprise him how many Arkansans made reservations for the first open weekend.

“We’re talking spring in Arkansas,” Armstrong said, gesturing to the lake behind him. “It’s beautiful weather. People have cabin fever to the max.”

The Moore family parked their RV in a campsite right on the water. They said they’ve been chomping at the bit to go camping again after parks were closed.

“I couldn’t understand why you couldn’t go,” Lisa Moore said. “Because you have plenty of distance between people.”

Armstrong said park rangers will be patrolling the resort to make sure people don’t gather in large groups. And only Arkansas residents can camp in the state parks.

“We’re not just opening doors wide open,” Armstrong said. “We’re not getting right back to normal. We need to maintain social distancing.”

State parks are preparing to open museums, visitors centers, gift shops, marinas, and restaurants on May 15.

Cabin and lodge rentals are also slated to become available May 15.

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