Camping increased in state parks in 2020

Because of the pandemic, out of state tourism was hit hard in Alaska last year.  Cruise traffic was halted and airlines saw their ridership plummet.  But that doesn’t mean that Alaskans stayed home.  One of the most pandemic friendly activities is camping, and Alaskans took to their state parks in record numbers during 2020.

According to Wendy Sailors at the Department of Natural Resources, recent reports show occupancy at the division’s campgrounds rose 13 percent from 2019 to 2020.  The largest increase was at the  K’esugi (kuh-SUE-ghee) Ken Campground in Denali State Park, which rose from a nightly occupancy rate of 22 percent to 71 percent.

Ms. Sailors said the increased revenue at the state parks has helped cover higher maintenance and operations costs the department has been incurring.  And although the pandemic continues to create challenges in securing summer staff and camp hosts, the department is gearing up for another successful and safe camping season.