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Full campgrounds expected for holiday weekend

Kim Fundingsland/MDN State Parks are expected to be filled with visitors hoping to enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July weekend. Traditionally, it is a holiday that places a high demand on campground space.

The Fourth of July is usually one of the busiest times of the year for State Parks’ campgrounds and this year is no exception. The demand for camping spots and rental units has filled the reservation book at State Parks, including three in the Minot region.

Lake Metigoshe State Park north of Bottineau reports that all camping spots and rental cabins have been reserved for the weekend. With the 4th of July on a Saturday, most spots will be filled by early Friday as campers and lake visitors prepare for the holiday break.

There were a few late cancellations at Lake Metigoshe State Park but those spots were quickly filled. Public demand for camping spots has been very high, especially due to coronavirus impacts.

“It has been busy ever since we opened. Every weekend has been 100% booked since May 21st,” said a spokesman at Lake Metigoshe State Park.

State Parks officially opened May 21 under coronavirus guidelines set by the state.

Lake Metigoshe State Park has five cabins of varying sizes and one yurt for rent by the public. Those facilities are all booked for this weekend. The situation is no different at Fort Stevenson State Park on the shores of Lake Sakakawea south of Garrison.

“We sure are booked, pretty much all of our resources are full,” said Chad Trautman, Fort Stevenson State Park manager.

Trautman said the campgrounds and boat ramps at Fort Stevenson State Park have been very busy this summer.

Across the lake to the south, at Lake Sakakawea State Park, public demand for camping space and other facilities has been very high as well. In fact, campsite reservations for the Fourth of July are usually full more than two months ahead of the holiday weekend. This year was no different.

The park’s marina is full, cabins are rented and day use has been busy are well, particularly the boat ramp.

Regional weather for the weekend appears to be favorable. Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 80’s under sunny or partly sunny skies with a chance of thunderstorms throughout the holiday period.

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