We’re getting a lot of questions about whether campgrounds and resorts can open and operate before the Stay at Home order expires on May 4. Here is our understanding. These businesses (and their workers) are essential and may operate to the extent that they are providing housing/lodging (i.e. campground guests who make their primary residence there from May 1 to the fall) and/or to the extent that they are providing food services (i.e. food to-go or retail purchase). These are understood as essential functions. It is also our understanding that the Governor’s intent limits travel for recreational or entertainment purposes in the state during Stay-at-Home. This does impact most informal guests at resort or campground facilities in Minnesota.
We continue to seek additional guidance from the Governor’s office on this and will update this information as soon as we receive a response.
The original “stay-at-home” order,
EO 20-20, section 5 c. outlines the following regarding outdoor activities:
“5. Exemptions – Activities. Minnesotans may leave their homes or residences to engage in the following activities, provided that all persons follow the guidelines set forth and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health (“MDH Guidelines”), including but not limited to social distancing, to the maximum extent possible … c. Outdoor activities. Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households. This does not exempt public accommodations that may feature outdoor activities from closure under Executive Order 20-04 and does not permit trespass upon private property.”
