The last major camping weekend of the summer recreation season begins Friday and nearly every reservable campsite with electricity in an Iowa state park has been claimed. Campers who are wanting to partake but do not have a site reserved should plan to arrive as early in the week as possible to claim a first come, first served campsite.
"People just don't miss spending these three day weekends in our parks," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. "We've had a good year in our campgrounds and hope to continue that into the fall."

Camping will not be available at Wilson Island State Park due to ongoing flooding. Camping at Green Valley State Park is available on a first come, first served basis. A number of sites with electricity are still available at Lake Darling and Pilot Knob state parks. Campers interested in staying in a state park for the weekend and who do not already have a site should contact the park before heading out to see if any sites are available.

"We are going to be busy so having patience and being respectful of your neighbors will be important," Szcodronski said.

Campers are reminded to follow the quiet hours, to only burn firewood in fire rings and to leave the fireworks at home. It only takes one loud campsite to ruin the experience for a lot of campers.

The DNR is also encouraging campers to get firewood locally to avoid introducing or spreading any unwanted bugs. Each park will have identified local sources where campers can get wood.
Campers are also encouraged to pick up after themselve
s.
"We will be working hard to keep our parks in good condition, but it may take us a little longer to do some of the routine cleaning so we are asking campers to help us out by paying extra attention to their campsites and by cleaning up after themselves in the shower buildings and restrooms," Szcodronski said. "Campers can also help reduce electricity costs by turning off all unnecessary lights at your site."
While Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer recreation season, it also is the beginning of fall camping when the crowds are lighter, bugs are fewer, weather is cooler and the leaves begin to show all the colors in the spectrum.