Clay County Rec Park opened to the public May 1 and drew about 55 long-term seasonal campers, according to County Manager Debbie Mauney.
Entering the grounds, the public is greeted with signs cautioning campers on social distancing. Masks are available for campers as well. The beach area and playground remain closed.
Mauney said most of the campers came from the western counties of Haywood, Clay, Jackson, Graham and Macon.
Gibson Cove Campground will open for short-term camping of up to 14 days on Friday, May 15.
Short-term rentals can reserved through: reserveamerica.com. Seasonal renters can call the Clay County Finance office, 389-0089 to reserve space. To reserve a pavilion call (828) 557-6788.
Daily tent rentals at the Rec Park run $18 to $25 depending on site location. Weekly rates run $108 to $150 and monthly rates come in at $396 to $450.
Gibson Cove offers short-term rentals for daily and weekly use at the same price as the Rec Park, but has a maximum 14 day stay.
The opening of the campgrounds was delayed several weeks because of the COVID outbreak and an ensuing Local State of Emergency amendment issued March 24. That amendment was terminated during the commissioners’ May 7 meeting.
The amendment was issued to prevent nonessential travel of nonresident individuals to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The termination meant that all lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, resorts, inns, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, camp- grounds, RV Parks, vacation cabins, home rentals and any and all rentals or leases for less than a month were ordered closed.
With the termination of the amendment, those businesses related to non-essential travel of nonresidents in Clay County may resume.
All other provisions of the initial State of Emergency remain in effect.