MISSOULA — Area campgrounds can get pretty crowded this time of year, especially during holiday weekends.
While camping offers an easy way to social distance and get outside, it also poses a risk if you come in contact with others or use shared facilities. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is reminding those piling into the campgrounds for the 4th of July to be cautious and continue following COVID-19 protocols.
They say right now it’s best to avoid gathering in groups, especially in popular places like trailheads, picnic tables, and boat docks. People should also pack hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes -- and avoid camping with other families or in large groups.
"With the rise in cases, it is time to pause and remember that even though you're outside -- and you're headed to a place that is safer and a lot of ways -- it feels a lot more comfortable it's still also a spot where you need to use precautions," FWP spokeswoman Vivaca Crwoser said.
Campgrounds also welcome a lot of out of state travelers which the health department credits as one of the reasons we’ve seen an uptick in COVID cases.
