4/23/2007

Free Camping Weekend is May 4, 5 and 6

DES MOINES - Finally… Spring has pushed aside winter and is here to stay. Campgrounds in Iowa State Parks are busily getting prepared to welcome thousands of visitors for the 2007 camping season, which begins with free camping weekend May 4, 5 and 6.

"Free camping weekend is an opportunity for us to thank our patrons for using our state parks and we hope they have an enjoyable camping season," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources state parks bureau. Free camping weekend is a good opportunity to make sure all the camping gear is in working order before the main camping season is here.

While spending time in the park, the Szcodronski said campers should take advantage of the trails available in most parks. Not only will campers experience some tremendous natural scenery, but they will also get in some exercise. A trail map can be found in the individual park brochure available at the park kiosk.

Since the addition of the campsite reservation system, state park rules will allow campers who have secured a campsite for Thursday night, May 3, regardless if it was reserved or not, to have that site for free camping weekend, as long as they occupy the site.

"Past years have shown that if the weather is good, the electrical sites will fill, especially in our more popular parks," Szcodronski said.

Campers are encouraged to be respectful of fellow campers. "Try to keep the noise to a minimum, pick up after yourself and follow the park rules," he said. "Our campgrounds are busy places and just one loud camper can ruin the experience for a lot of people."

Free camping weekend is only for Iowa residents. Nonresidents may camp during the weekend, but will be required to pay the appropriate fee. The free camping weekend is in Iowa State parks only and cabins are not part of the free weekend.

There are some activities planned in state parks during the free camping weekend. Check with the campground kiosk to see what, if any, programs are scheduled for a particular park. It is also a good time to go fishing and hunt for morel mushrooms. With the inconsistent weather this spring, you never know what you might catch or find, Szcodronski said.

The campgrounds at Black Hawk and Prairie Rose state parks are undergoing upgrades and improvement and will not be open during free camping weekend.

For more information, contact Szcodronski at 515-281-8674.