State parks ready for summer campers

Iowans weary of a long cold winter and recent cold spring weather are anxious to get the summer camping season underway. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the camping season. Iowa Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Sherry Arntzen says most campgrounds fill up early this weekend. In fact, she says Iowa’s state parks are popular throughout the season.She says the state averages around 14 million visitors a year. She says high gas prices this summer may help fuel that interest, causing more people to stay in the state. She says the campgrounds along Iowa’s borders see plenty of visitors from out-of-state.Some campsites have more amenities than others, such as showers and electric hook up. Arntzen encourages campers this weekend to respect others, keep an eye on the weather, and pick up before heading for home. For more information on Iowa’s state parks you can visit: www.state.ia.us/parks.