Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 8, 2001
For more information:  Amy Urban, 773-4235

MAKE YOUR LABOR DAY CAMPING RESERVATIONS TODAY

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 only three weeks away, many campers have already made their reservations, but there are still some parks with campsites available," said Doug Hofer, state parks director.

As of Monday, Aug. 6, parks with campsites available are Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon, West Whitlock, Swan Creek and Indian Creek recreation areas near Mobridge, Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller, West Bend Recreation Area near Pierre, Platte Creek Recreation Area near Platte and Custer State Park. To make reservations call 1-800-710-2267 or go online to www.campSD.com.

If you do not have camping reservations in your favorite state park, 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, Big Sioux, Burke Lake, Cow Creek, Lake Hiddenwood, Little Moreau, Llewellyn John's, North Wheeler, Okobojo Point, Pease Creek and Springfield. 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 Thursdays at 6 p.m.

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