Rain or shine, Iowa’s parks will be packed with backpackers, boaters and campers on this unofficial first weekend of summer. Allen Crouse, a recreational safety officer with the Iowa D-N-R, says with lots of folks crammed in to few spaces, remember to be respectful so everyone can remain happy campers. Crouse says “Just be courteous to your neighbors. They may not want to stay up near as late as you want to. Try and keep the noise down.” All state parks have quiet hours enforced starting at 10:30 P.M. and he says everyone’s expected to comply or face getting booted out. Crouse says other rules vary at other parks, for example, open flames are not always allowed. He says if you plan to have a campfire, make sure to use a concrete fire ring and you might want to bring your own grate to cook on. Crouse says it would also be wise to call ahead to the campground or lake to make sure high water hasn’t caused a problem with campsites or boat ramps. He adds, boaters need to remember that alcohol and water don’t mix well. Crouse says operating a boat while intoxicated is against the law and exposure to sun and water can enhance the effect of alcohol. He says people who see a drunken boater should make note of their location and call 9-1-1.
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