Busy Memorial Day Weekend expected at US state parks

State park authorities across the United States are gearing up for what’s expected to be a busy Memorial Day weekend.

America’s national parks will also enjoy a boost in visitor numbers during the coming long weekend. However, the US National Park Service has famously suffered from deep funding cuts and the loss of some 1,000 personnel. As a result, visitors to the national parks can expect a diminished experience as facilities are understaffed and attended to less often.

Meanwhile, no similar level of funding cuts has befallen state parks. In fact, in some jurisdictions, like Texas, state park managers are enjoying funding increases and are looking to add staff.

Given the dichotomy, state park offices across the United States are anticipating a busy three-day weekend ahead, given the warmer weather and increasing popularity of America’s state parks.

“Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather,” said Iowa’s state park chief, Sherry Arntzen. “Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing, and swimming.”

Arntzen is urging folks thinking to camp in Iowa’s state parks to “plan ahead” given the surge in visitors they are expecting. Sites with electricity are already fully booked up, so she advised campers scramble to grab the utility-free campsites still available.

California State Parks officials also expect this weekend will be a busy one for them and their guests. Memorial Day is considered to mark the unofficial start of summer in the USA, especially as most schools close for summer break.

“With 280 state parks encompassing over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and 5,200 miles of trails, California offers something for everyone, and these public lands belong to us all,” California State Parks is urging in a public notice. “Let’s work together to keep them clean, safe, and accessible.”

Park managers in Michigan are also expecting higher-than-usual visitor numbers and state park usage over Memorial Day Weekend. Though summer has arrived or is near, depending on the region, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is cautioning that colder conditions may still return to parts of the state. Campers and hikers should com prepared, the department said.

“If you’re heading up north for the first time since the massive ice storm struck in late March, be ready – the unprecedented damage in some areas may be shocking,” Michigan DNR said.