Minnesota campgrounds missing out on Memorial Day Weekend

Minnesota campgrounds are not allowed to open until June 1.

Campgrounds are taking a hit this memorial day weekend, with sites all across minnesota closed.

???t news three's zach gilleland shows us how one local campground is hurting due to covi?19.xx "on memorial day weekend, what better way to bring in the unofficial start to summer than by getting outdoors.

But all across minnesota you'll notice these signs, as campgrounds around the state are losing business."

At chester woods park, lot after lot lays empty.

It's supposed to be one of the busiest times of the year at their campground.

"i don't know what the bottom line is going to end up being it's definitely going to take a toll."

Celeste lewis is a staff naturalist at the park.

She's spent the past few months giving refunds to customers unable to use the site.

"it's been tough for us, we've had to refund a bunch.

I've spent hours and hours making phone calls and it's been thousands of dollars."

But chester woods has been able to manage this pandemic with their trails and open water attracting guests, and leaving parking lots full.

"it has been tremendously busy."

And she sympathizes with business owners losing revenue because of covi?19.

"i can't imagine what it would be like with that being your sole income, that would be terrible."

Under governor tim walz stay safe order, chester woods and other campgrounds are allowed to open june first.

And people are ready to pick their lot.

"the fourth of july weekend is almost booked up already and i'm pretty sure by next weekend we're going to be booked."

In eyota, zach gilleland, kimt news three./// chester woods boat rentals are still closed and