The tranquil woods and waters of Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground have hosted thousands of families and campers over the years.

But the coronavirus pandemic is keeping some campers from escaping reality here.

 

Park owner Don Virgi said in an email "We feel we are being left out in the cold, while other much more risky industries get the go ahead to open. Camping is already all about social distancing."

 

Virgi didn't want to speak on camera, but told 21 news he's worried since about a third of his bottom line comes from overnight and recreational guests - who are at the moment not allowed here for health reasons.

But why?

 

"Stores and other areas over time, there's a clear and finite plan for how social distancing can be accomplished and enforced in those areas. Other areas are going to be more challenging and more troublesome so I think that's probably why some areas have been allowed to go first," says Dr. Jim Kravec from Mercy Health and 21 News' Coronavirus Team.

 

The Ohio Campground Owners' Association Disagrees, saying other industries already back open have much higher human interaction.

 

"Many campgrounds already have in place limiting the number of people on any site, they monitor who comes in, they have to be members of your family, visitors have to check in and we are proposing no visitors come in at this time," says OCOA Executive Director Kristy Smith.

 

 

The OCOA has even drafted its own plan to keep guests safe - but Smith says so far it's been ignored.

But she's hoping Governor DeWine will work with them.

 

"He had said that he hopes to address outdoor recreation Thursday so we're hoping campgrounds are in that group," Smith said.