05-19-2004, 04:29 AM
Memorial Day Weekend Official Start to the Iowa Camping and Recreation Season
DES MOINES - The Memorial Day weekend marks the official beginning of Iowa's camping and recreational season and staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are preparing for the large crowds at state parks and recreation areas.
Many state parks, including Gull Point, Viking Lake, Pleasant Creek, Brushy Creek, and Lake Ahquabi, are popular destinations for campers and campsites at these areas will fill quickly.
"Campers will start arriving at some of the more popular campgrounds as early as two days before the weekend starts in order to get a good spot," said Jerry Reisinger, regional supervisor for state parks in northeast Iowa. "However, some campgrounds will have campsites available throughout the weekend." Reisinger said campers should call the park office before leaving home to check on campground occupancy.
Campers looking for great scenery should check out Lake Wapello, Backbone or Springbrook state parks. Recreational opportunities abound in these areas. The Memorial Day weekend marks the opening for the concession operations located at these parks. Campers should plan to bring a supply of firewood, ice or charcoal, since most state parks do not have concession operations.
Since this may be the first camping trip of the year for some campers, Reisinger said they should check their camping equipment before leaving home.
"Make sure flashlights have fresh batteries, the trailer tire pressure is good, camp stove fuel is sufficient, and you bring all the camping necessities," he said.
With the busy holiday weekend, it is important to remember to be courteous to other park users.
"We plan to have all available state park staff working the holiday weekend to accommodate visitor needs and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend," Reisinger said. "Whether boating, fishing, camping, or picnicking, you will likely encounter staff in the parks. Be sure to let them know if you have any questions or concerns."
A number of out-of-the-way parks may be the perfect setting for campers wanting to avoid the crowded campgrounds.
"Lake of Three Fires, Wapsipinicon, Pilot Knob, and Lacey-Keosauqua state parks are beautiful parks that do not have the heavy camping pressure," said Sherry Arntzen with the DNR's state parks bureau. "The Explore Iowa Parks camping program is in full swing and offers campers the opportunity to earn prizes by camping in a number of different parks, including the lesser used parks."
Campers are also urged to watch the weather while camping and have a plan if severe weather occurs. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur quickly during the spring and early summer. If a storm does move toward a state park or recreation area, park staff will warn all visitors. Park users should seek shelter in the event of severe weather.
Many out-of-state visitors will be staying in Iowa parks and recreation areas during the Memorial Day holiday and local campers are encouraged to let their out-of-state neighbors know where safe areas are if a threat of severe weather occurs.
Pine Lake State Park will be closed this Memorial Day weekend due to campground renovations.
For information about camping rates at Iowa state parks and recreation areas, visit the State Parks Bureau website at www.exploreiowaparks.com.
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DES MOINES - The Memorial Day weekend marks the official beginning of Iowa's camping and recreational season and staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are preparing for the large crowds at state parks and recreation areas.
Many state parks, including Gull Point, Viking Lake, Pleasant Creek, Brushy Creek, and Lake Ahquabi, are popular destinations for campers and campsites at these areas will fill quickly.
"Campers will start arriving at some of the more popular campgrounds as early as two days before the weekend starts in order to get a good spot," said Jerry Reisinger, regional supervisor for state parks in northeast Iowa. "However, some campgrounds will have campsites available throughout the weekend." Reisinger said campers should call the park office before leaving home to check on campground occupancy.
Campers looking for great scenery should check out Lake Wapello, Backbone or Springbrook state parks. Recreational opportunities abound in these areas. The Memorial Day weekend marks the opening for the concession operations located at these parks. Campers should plan to bring a supply of firewood, ice or charcoal, since most state parks do not have concession operations.
Since this may be the first camping trip of the year for some campers, Reisinger said they should check their camping equipment before leaving home.
"Make sure flashlights have fresh batteries, the trailer tire pressure is good, camp stove fuel is sufficient, and you bring all the camping necessities," he said.
With the busy holiday weekend, it is important to remember to be courteous to other park users.
"We plan to have all available state park staff working the holiday weekend to accommodate visitor needs and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend," Reisinger said. "Whether boating, fishing, camping, or picnicking, you will likely encounter staff in the parks. Be sure to let them know if you have any questions or concerns."
A number of out-of-the-way parks may be the perfect setting for campers wanting to avoid the crowded campgrounds.
"Lake of Three Fires, Wapsipinicon, Pilot Knob, and Lacey-Keosauqua state parks are beautiful parks that do not have the heavy camping pressure," said Sherry Arntzen with the DNR's state parks bureau. "The Explore Iowa Parks camping program is in full swing and offers campers the opportunity to earn prizes by camping in a number of different parks, including the lesser used parks."
Campers are also urged to watch the weather while camping and have a plan if severe weather occurs. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur quickly during the spring and early summer. If a storm does move toward a state park or recreation area, park staff will warn all visitors. Park users should seek shelter in the event of severe weather.
Many out-of-state visitors will be staying in Iowa parks and recreation areas during the Memorial Day holiday and local campers are encouraged to let their out-of-state neighbors know where safe areas are if a threat of severe weather occurs.
Pine Lake State Park will be closed this Memorial Day weekend due to campground renovations.
For information about camping rates at Iowa state parks and recreation areas, visit the State Parks Bureau website at www.exploreiowaparks.com.
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