Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002
For more information:  Jessica Andrews, 773-4235

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE LABOR DAY CAMPING RESERVATIONS

PIERRE – Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding campers planning an outdoor holiday for the Labor Day Weekend that time is running out to make reservations.

"With Labor Day Weekend just around the corner, many campers have already made their reservations, but there are still some parks with campsites available," said Doug Hofer, state parks director.

Those parks with campsites available as of Tuesday, Aug. 13, are Custer State Park in the Black Hills, West Whitlock and Indian Creek recreation areas near Mobridge and Oahe Downstream and West Bend recreation areas near Pierre. To make reservations, call 1-800-710-2267 or go online to www.campSD.com.

Campers without reservations for Labor Day weekend can consider visiting one of the 13 state parks and recreation areas that are all first-come, first-served parks. The first-come, first-served state parks and recreation areas include Bear Butte, Fisher Grove and Union Grove state park, Buryanek, Burke Lake, Cow Creek, Lake Hiddenwood, Llewellyn John's, North Wheeler, Okobojo Point, Pease Creek and Springfield recreation areas. Custer State Park, Shadehill, Lewis and Clark and Pierson Ranch recreation areas also have a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites.

For a listing of campsites available each weekend check the department's website at www.state.sd.us/gfp/sdparks/ and click on the "weekend campsite availability" link. This webpage is updated every Thursday. A weekend campsite report appears in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader outdoor section every Tuesday and is broadcast on the KELO News on Thursdays at 6 p.m.

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