Kim Fundingsland/MDN 2020 saw an increase in the number of people getting outdoors in North Dakota in their quest to find alternative and safe activities in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The result included a record number of visits to State Parks.

While the coronavirus pandemic had a negative impact on almost every aspect of daily living in 2020, it created a remarkable surge in outdoor activity. It is there, outdoors in North Dakota, where social distancing was easily achievable and provided numerous avenues of relief from COVID caused restrictions.

People quickly grew weary of staying at home to avoid catching coronavirus. Schools were closed early in 2020, meaning thousands of children were virtually home-bound and parents were seeking to bring some normalcy into their lives. Many found an answer in the outdoors.

In March, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, State Parks announced that the would be closing all parks and recreation buildings to the public. It was a time when there were multiple opinions about how to best defend against COVID-19. In reality, though, the closures at State Parks didn’t have much impact at the time because it came long before the start of the traditional camping season and warm spring temperatures were still weeks away.

State Parks normally open in mid-May. Somewhat cautiously, State Parks made the decision to open campgrounds on May 21 with some coronavirus restrictions in place, such as closing Visitor Centers and changing cleaning procedures at comfort stations.

The move proved to be overwhelmingly popular. All of North Dakota’s State Parks experienced an avalanche of early visitors and the demand only increased as the season progressed. And it continued well beyond what is considered the peak months for camping and other park activities.

“North Dakota State Parks provided a safe, social distance setting during an uncertain time this camping season,” said Director Andrea Travnicek. “We saw a lot of first-time campers in our parks this summer and look forward to their return visits this winter and in the upcoming year.”

Campers usually descend on State Parks in the peak season of mid-May through August. In 2020, however, they did so in record numbers well beyond the usual camping season. In fact, according to State Parks, “the largest increase in camping numbers was seen during September and October. September had a 173% increase and October a 339% increase in camping numbers from the 2019 season.”

Final statistics tabulated by all State Parks showed a 35% overall increase of campers for the season. The weather was nice in early fall, contributing to the rise in numbers, but even more so was a need for families to get outside and get away from monotonous and restrictive routines due to coronavirus concerns responsible for the cancellation of numerous activities and events.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department responded to early concerns of the pandemic by revoking all fishing tournament permits for April and May 2020. While the number of early fishing tournaments was minimal, the action and subsequent advancement of coronavirus led to the cancellation of several popular fishing tournaments including the two largest and longest running tourneys in the state – the Governor’s Walleye Cup on Lake Sakakawea and the Chamber Tournament on Devils Lake.

Even though many angling events were called off by their sponsoring organizations, some found ways to get on the water while still complying with recommended COVID-19 prevention measures.

Like the increased camping activity at State Parks, there was similar increase reported at boat ramps throughout the state. Although no actual numbers are available, it was apparent to many that boaters, fishermen and other on-the-water enthusiasts had turned to state lakes to safely fill the void created by the shutdown of countless events and activities due to the threat of coronavirus.

Although some ice fishing events are still scheduled on this winter’s winter calendar, many organizers likely won’t make a final decision until close to the date of their event, hoping that the spread of COVID-19 is significantly diminished. Likewise, not knowing what course the virus may take in the months ahead in 2021, many summer tournament organizers have adopted the same wait and see approach.