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Iowans Gearing Up for Free Camping Weekend

DES MOINES - Campers across Iowa are making plans to enjoy a weekend of free camping in Iowa State Parks, Recreation Areas and Forests May 13, 14 and 15, 2005.

Camping in Iowa State Parks is on a first-come, first-serve basis with no reservations being accepted. Iowa campers will need to register as usual with the exception of paying for the campsite. If Iowans show up on Thursday before the free weekend to register, they will need to pay for Thursday night. Nonresidents will need to pay the appropriate campsite fee during the weekend.

If the weather forecast is good, many of the popular park campgrounds will fill up quickly. "Free camping weekend will be handled just like any other busy holiday weekend in state parks," says Sherry Arntzen, with the DNR state parks bureau. Arntzen suggests that campers call before heading out to the park to make sure sites are available. She also added campers might want to consider trying a new park. "There are a number of park gems located throughout the state that highlight some of Iowa's most beautiful landscapes."

Again this year, all participating state parks will have interpretive programs offered throughout the weekend. Programs include nocturnal animals at Geode State Park in Henry County; Gyotaku (ancient Japanese folk art of painting fish) at Lake Manawa State Park in Pottawattamie County; bird watching program at Pilot Knob in Winnebago County; and a fisheries demonstration with the electroshock boat at Green Valley State Park in Union County. Campers and local area residents interested in attending the interpretive program, should either call the park office directly or visit the state parks website for information on the program content, times and locations.

All DNR managed state parks, recreation areas and forest campgrounds with the exception of Bellevue are participating. Bellevue campground is closed due to a campground renovation. Lake Keomah State Park will participate; however, a portion of the campground remains closed for an electrical upgrade project. For a complete listing of the state parks, recreation areas and forests participating, and other information about the weekend, visit the state park website at www.exploreiowaparks.com.

 

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