Camping season usually kicks off strongly at the end of May, but this year, cooler temperatures are causing some campers to hesitate when booking sites.
“Normally, when it’s nicer, it’s pretty busy,” said Preslee Stevens, a camper visiting Newton Hills State Park with her family. Preslee and her cousin Izleigh are enjoying their first day off school but wish the weather was warmer.
“When it’s warm, we can go, like, swimming and do water balloons and stuff,” Preslee explained. Izleigh added, “But when it’s cold, we just have to stay in our campers.”
Jason Baumann, district park supervisor, noted that the chilly weather has led to some last-minute cancellations. “We’ve had a few last-minute cancellations. So, there are a few sites available statewide through all the parks,” he said.
Despite the slow start, Baumann expects the rest of the summer to be more typical. “I think we’re going to have a pretty typical summer. Generally, we’ll fill up most weekends,” he added.
Regular visitor Conrad Baker, who comes to the park every year with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, says the weather hasn’t dampened their spirits. “We’ve been sitting on the side watching TV, and the kids are coloring. And what do you do? Just have fun,” Baker said.
Even the youngest campers know how to keep warm. “We were having a giant, giant fire,” said 2-year-old camper Carston Johnson.
Despite the chilly start, campers are finding ways to enjoy their time outdoors, with hopes for warmer days ahead.
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