Iowa Ag Connection - DNR: Memorial Day Weekend Nearly Here

Iowa Ag News Headlines

DNR: Memorial Day Weekend Nearly Here
Iowa Ag Connection - 05/24/2017

Iowa campers, picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend and the official start of summer. If weather continues as it has been, Iowa's state parks will be busting at the seams. "We're looking forward to another great year of visiting with fellow Iowans as they are enjoying their state parks," says Todd Coffelt, chief of state parks for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "State parks provide great opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation and general fun."

Iowa's state parks expect to host nearly 15 million day visits this year and more than 900,000 overnight stays. Iowa has more than 4,700 state park campsites and between 50 and 75 percent of them can be reserved in advance. This year, more than 300 existing campsites were added to the reservation system, making planning vacations a little easier.

So, what is the possibility of getting a campsite for the holiday weekend? Currently, statewide, there are roughly a half-dozen electric sites left to reserve for Memorial Day weekend. There are, however, a good number of non-electric sites still available online. Parks maintain between 25 and 50 percent of all site types for walk-in camping, but keep in mind that many campers will arrive early to secure those spots through the holiday weekend.

Looking ahead to the Fourth of July holiday, campsite reservation options are going quickly and are gone at the most popular parks. Like the Memorial Day weekend, nearly all standard electric sites are reserved, but a number of parks still have non-electric sites.

"We love to see our campgrounds full," says Coffelt, "And our reservation system makes it easy for our campers to plan for these big holidays.

State park campsites can be reserved three months ahead of an arrival date. So, reservations for the Labor Day weekend will open June 1 for a Friday arrival.

To check availability of campsites and to make a reservation, go to www.iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com The website recently had a significant face-lift, making it more appealing and user friendly, with links to state park events and social media outlets.

Besides campsites, 19 Iowa state parks together have more than 90 cabins and yurts for overnight reservations. Camping cabins only require a two-night minimum reservation and are available at Green Valley, Honey Creek, Lake Darling, Prairie Rose, Stone and Waubonsie state parks, and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Two yurts, circular tent-like structures on platforms, are also available for two-night stays at McIntosh Woods State Park.

Family cabins, varying in size and amenities, require a Friday-to-Friday stay Memorial Day through Labor Day. Eight parks currently have family cabins available for week-long stay beginning the Friday of Memorial Day. Beautiful lodges and shelters offer great options for day visitors planning summer reunions, birthday parties and other gatherings. More than 90 shelters are still available to reserve for the Memorial Day weekend. "We are open for business," says Coffelt, "and our staff, together with our great friends groups, campground hosts and other volunteers, aims to make our visitors' experience the best it can be."

Visit www.iowadnr.gov/stateparks for more information about campsites, cabins, events, closures and to sign up to receive State Parks News electronically.

Other Iowa Headlines