US state parks expect record attendance over Memorial Day weekend

State park managers across the United States are expecting large crowds and congestion to strain facilities over the Memorial Day weekend. They’re asking travelers to prepare ahead of time.

“Most electrical and full hookup sites in busy parks are already reserved,” the Iowa Department of Natural Resources warned in a recent update, “so campers may want to consider non-electric sites or [staying] at ‘hidden gem’ parks a little further away from home.”

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer holiday season in the US. Millions of Americans are expected to either host gatherings of family and friends at home or to travel to outdoor destinations across the country.

An increasing number of Memorial Day travelers are choosing to spend time in state parks, weather permitting.

Iowa park authorities are urging travelers to make reservations where possible while acknowledging that hundreds of parking stalls and campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

They are also pleading with visitors to clean up after themselves, expecting a higher-than-average volume of trash littering parks post-Memorial Day.

Park managers say boaters should take extra precautions this weekend. Violent weather that recently hit much of the US Midwest has made boating conditions less than ideal, they warn.

“Recent heavy rain across the state will reduce water clarity and add flood debris to the rivers and larger reservoirs,” said Iowa DNR’s Susan Stocker. “Boaters will need to use caution and watch for obstacles, including debris floating just under the surface.”

Stocker recommends boaters arrive at Iowa’s lakes and rivers fully equipped with life vests, fire extinguishers, and floatation devices.

Iowa DNR says more than 200,000 boats are registered in that state.

Park managers in California are also predicting a rush of visitors this forthcoming weekend should the weather hold.

As in Iowa, there’s a particular worry in California over water safety at the state parks.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is reminding visitors that many of its state parks enforce alcohol bans. Expecting a higher number of visitors to coastal California state parks, authorities are also urging swimmers to be mindful of the danger of rip currents and other drowning hazards.

“California’s diverse landscape has recreational activities for everyone,” the department said in a release, “from swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans to hiking among giant redwoods or sequoias to off-highway vehicle riding in deserts and mountains to camping along the coastline.”

“Following simple safety precautions, such as wearing a properly fitted life jacket or proper riding gear, avoiding alcohol, and knowing one’s limits while engaged in aquatic activities, can help save lives,” it added.

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