Iowans are invited to explore the state’s parks as part of this Camping Kickoff Weekend. Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the State Parks Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says this weekend will be a good time to get ready for the camping season ahead.
“A lot of people think Memorial Day weekend is really the beginning of the camping season,” Szcodronski says, “but we urge people before that weekend to get their camping equipment out, get everything working, get it cleaned up, make sure everything is good to go so when they go on Memorial Day weekend or other times, they don’t have to spend a lot of time fixing things and cleaning things up.”
Szcodronski says there will be something for everyone at the parks during this weekend, including hikes on the plentiful trails, cooking over wood fires and likely, catching some fish. “This is an excellent time to go out and fish so bring your fishing poles and your licenses,” he says, adding, “This is the time of the year the mosquitoes and bugs are very low, if any.”
Szcodronski says the price is right to enjoy the parks as there is no entrance fee, while staying overnight in a cabin or camping may run as low as $16. Find out more about the camping kickoff weekend at: www.iowadnr.gov
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City