New orders for visitors from out-of state and residents who recently traveled will apply in Pennsylvania’s state parks, according to the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources.

The recent orders from the Department of Health require travelers to get a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine upon arrival in Pennsylvania.

State park officials on Friday sent out a reminder that the orders apply to anyone visiting for the day or overnight.

Hickory Run State Park recently contacted all campers with reservations to inform them of the new rules, and offer refunds if they can’t comply.

“People who are looking to camp here know what the requirements are, and what the governor is asking of people coming from out of state,” said Nick Sherlock, assistant park manager at Hickory Run State Park.

While the campgrounds at Tuscarora and Locust Lake have closed for the season, some camp facilities at Hickory Run State Park remain open through mid-December.

The orders handed down from the Secretary of Health this week state that visitors from out of state, or residents who recently traveled out of state will need proof that they tested negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth.

Any nonresident who can’t provide a negative COVID-19 test result must quarantine for 14 days.

Violators could be fined $25-$300.

But as with many of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, authorities won’t be actively stopping visitors and checking for compliance.

But rangers could enforce the quarantine order if a visitor violates another state law in the park.

In a news release, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the goal of the restrictions is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while keeping parks open to the public.

“Since the beginning of efforts to address the pandemic we have kept our state park and forest lands open to all so that people can safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health, and that will continue to be the case,” she said.

The restrictions are effective through Jan. 15, 2021.

In addition, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is halting all indoor programs and temporarily closing indoor exhibit halls, including the new exhibit center at Hickory Run State Park.

Restrooms remain open to the public.

Outdoor programs at Hickory Run, such as hikes and snowshoe walks, will be limited to a maximum of 20 visitors, with masks required.

Masks are required in all state parks and forests unless there is adequate space for social distancing. Visitation to Pennsylvania’s state parks has skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic. Visits to the state park system have increased by 1 million visitors per month.

DCNR expects that the high number of visitors will continue through the winter months.

“With the appropriate clothing and preparedness, winter is among the most beautiful and peaceful times in our parks and forests,” Dunn said.