Full Campgrounds Expected for Memorial Day Weekend
Posted: May 13, 2008

It seems like it was only last week Iowans were facing another round of snow storms, but Memorial Day Weekend is quickly approaching and that marks the busy season for Iowa's state park campgrounds. Nearly all reservable campsites with electricity have been spoken for so campers who do not have a reservation will need to either arrive early or call ahead to see if any first-come, first-serve campsites are available.

"The weather has not been too agreeable for early season camping, so we are anticipating a large crowd for Memorial Day Weekend," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa State Parks Bureau with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "It's going to be nice to see campgrounds full again, people fishing in the parks and having a good time. I think it is safe to say we are all ready for summer."

For many campers, Memorial Day Weekend will be the first outing of the year. Szcodronski said campers are reminded to be courteous to their neighbors and keep the noise level down during quiet time. He also said to avoid any unpleasant surprises campers should go through their gear to make sure it is still in working order and to replace anything not in usable condition.

Check the batteries in the flashlight and the bottles of propane. Pick up an extra set of lantern mantles, just in case. Make sure the cot still functions or the air mattress does not leak. Pack garbage bags, and ponchos and a deck of cards in case it rains. Don't forget aluminum foil and a can opener.

"Take some time to inspect the camping gear before leaving home because it is much easier to take care of at home, rather than at the campsite," he said.

Check the tents and sleeping bags for tears or signs of wear and tent poles for cracks. Make sure all the stakes made it home from the last trip. Go through cooking equipment, fire starters and matches. Check the first aid kit, shower house bag and the supply of bug repellant and sun screen.

"With all the new electronic 'necessities' our younger campers can not live without, it would be wise to bring a surge protector for cell phones and other games and music players," Szcodronski said.

Campers are encouraged to get their firewood local sources and to definitely not bring firewood from out of state. Szcodronski said parks staff will also be discouraging campers from burning anything in a fire ring other than wood, and that includes scrap lumber.

"You would not believe the things that are burnt in the fire ring. Our staff finds all kinds of trash, melted plastic, plywood scraps, empty cans, lawn chairs, and old pieces of metal. Burning that stuff releases pollutants into the air and debris in the fire ring. So we are going to visit with campers about why we only want firewood used in the rings," he said.

For more information, contact Mick Klemesrud at 515-281-8653.