Some Sierra National Forest campgrounds remain closed due to tree mortality

SIERRA NATIONAL PARK (KFSN) -- Tree mortality and heavy winter rain has stopped some campgrounds within the Sierra National Forest from opening.

The sights and sounds of Bass Lake are refreshing, but closure signs are creating some concern for visitors wanting to take in the beauty.

"You see them closed all over the place," said David Simuro from the Bay Area.

He and his family were surprised to see several sites they were hoping to camp at were temporarily closed.

"We were hoping to get something near the water where our friend who has a boat was going to meet us here tomorrow," he said. "But there is just nothing. It does suck a little bit."

Forest rangers say some of the campgrounds typically open around this time of the year, but they are off limits because of the tree mortality and heavy winter that we had this past season. Drone video shows some of the dead trees crews are working to clear up.

Forest supervisor Dean Gould said this is why 12 of the 69 day use and overnight sites are shut down.

"We will have some additional ones opened by 4th of July, a few more open by Labor Day," he said. "There are some we may not be able to open at all for the season."

However, Gould says the 10 campsites impacted by weather should be open within the next two to four weeks.

"Public safety is absolutely a top priority," he said. "So, that's where we are starting the areas. We are dedicating our resources now the high visitation areas and campground."

Though some of the sites are prohibited for camping, the forest wants those visiting to know there are many other places people can go.

"Over 70 percent of the campgrounds are currently open and accessible for the public to use," Gould explained.