Here in the Pacific Northwest, along with other northern states, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of camping season. Fortunately, as Memorial Day weekend approaches, the availability of open campgrounds to accommodate weekend campers increases.
Let’s look at some examples:
Many forest service campgrounds don’t open until the weather begins to improve and the snow melts at higher elevations. In my neck of the woods, that magical time is the middle of May. The Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is the closest to my home and most campgrounds open either May 14 or May 16 this year.
Most, if not all states, have a Department of Natural Resources and is often referred to as DNR. The DNR controls state-owned lands and in my home state of Washington, the DNR operates more than 160 recreation campsites, many offering camping as one of the permitted recreational uses. From my experience, DNR campgrounds are very similar to the United States Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds, typically in a forested area offering basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Similar to the forest service, DNR campgrounds open in time for the Memorial Day weekend. In my area the DNR camping season is May 1 to November 30.
To find a “USFS” designated campground in your area, www.campgroundreviews.com is a great starting point to find a campground that is ideal for you, your rig and your family memebers.
Hopefully the information above will help in expanding your knowledge of available campgrounds in your area or the State you wish to visit. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
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