If you’re looking for a cheap getaway this weekend, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources can help. Sherry Arntzen is with the D-N-R’s state parks bureau. As she says, “Once again the D-N-R is wanting to thank all Iowans by having a free camping weekend. Arntzen says you can camp for free today (Friday) through Sunday at any state park. She says camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. She says they ask that you do fill out a normal registration form and in place of the dollar amount, you write in free. Arntzen says Iowa parks are busy. She says last year they had around 660-thousand camping guest days. Arntzen says various state parks will host special programs this weekend to go along with the free camping. She says the Green Valley State Park in Union County will have the fishing shock boat and talk about some fishery issues, they’ll have a scavenger hunt and fisheries demonstration at Lake Darling, at Lake Keomah State Park they’ll have a program on Iowa snakes. All D-N-R managed state parks, recreation areas and forest campgrounds with the exception of Bellevue are participating. Bellevue campground is closed due to a campground renovation. For more information about the state parks, visit: www.exploreiowaparks.com.
