Timely news for residents of Iowa:

DES MOINES (May 11, 2005) - Campers across Iowa are making plans to enjoy a weekend of free camping in Iowa State Parks, Recreation Areas and Forests May 13, 14 and 15. If the weather forecast holds, many of the popular park campgrounds will fill up quickly. The free camping offer is only for state residents; others pay the regular fee.

"Free camping weekend will be handled just like any other busy holiday weekend in state parks," says Sherry Arntzen, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state parks bureau. It might be a good idea, Arntzen said, for campers to call ahead before heading to the park to see if sites are still available, and if not, they might want to consider trying a new park.

"There are a number of park gems located throughout the state that highlight some of Iowa's most beautiful landscapes," she said.

Again this year, all participating state parks will have interpretive programs offered throughout the weekend. For example, campers can learn about nocturnal animals at Geode State Park in Henry County; Gyotaku (ancient Japanese folk art of painting fish) at Lake Manawa State Park in Pottawattamie County; bird watching at Pilot Knob in Winnebago County or watch a fisheries demonstration with the electroshocking boat at Green Valley State Park in Union County. Campers and local area residents interested in attending the interpretive program, should either call the park office directly or visit the state parks website for information on the program content, times and locations.

All DNR managed state parks, recreation areas and forest campgrounds with the exception of Bellevue are participating. Bellevue campground is closed due to a campground renovation. Lake Keomah State Park will participate; however, a portion of the campground remains closed for an electrical upgrade project. For a complete listing of the participating state parks, recreation areas and forests and other information about the weekend, visit the state park website at www.exploreiowaparks.com.

Camping in Iowa State Parks is on a first-come, first-serve basis with no reservations accepted. Iowa campers will need to register as usual with the exception of paying for the campsite. If Iowans show up on Thursday before the free weekend to register, they will need to pay for Thursday night. Nonresidents will need to pay the appropriate campsite fee during the weekend.