This will be the final weekend of summer getaways for many Iowans. Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Parks Bureau for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says if you were hoping to cruise out to a state park and find a cabin or a campsite, it’s a little late for that now.

“A lot of people out there would have used our reservation system and booked their site three months in advance,” Szcodronski says. “They’re ready to go. They have their site. We’re going to be very busy because those reservable sites have been booked for as long as three months ago.”

As for the campsites that are in the category of “first come, first served,” he says those are going fast, too. “Most of our parks, there have been people out there buying and registering and setting up for those sites beginning Monday and Tuesday,” Szcodronski says.

“What that means is, if you don’t have a site in a state park campground secured now, either you’re physically out there or you have a reservation, it may be a tough go if you’re looking for an electrical site.” It’ll be an exceptionally hot holiday weekend, with temperatures forecast in the mid- to upper-90s.

He says be sure not to let tempers get hot, and try to get along with your neighbors. “That’s truly one of the interesting things about camping, is meeting new people, people you may not typically associate with but you’re all out there for the same reason, to have a relaxing time, a good time and enjoy the outdoors,” Szcodronski says.

“You all have that in common.” Be respectful of each other’s space, he says, don’t play loud music and clean up after yourselves. Learn more at:  www.iowadnr.gov

By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City