Happy Campers Already Sitting Pretty Those Without Reservations May Have To Scramble
The Memorial Day weekend is here, and so is the frantic rush for that perfect spot to pitch a tent or park an RV.
But finding a great campsite - or any campsite, for that matter - could be difficult. Many campgrounds in North Idaho and Eastern Washington are nearly full. People staked out spots days in advance, anticipating the mob of Memorial Day campers.
“If you don’t have a spot yet, you are probably in trouble,” said Cindy Len, a recreational specialist in the Colville National Forest.
Campers have called her all week checking availability. Although most prefer campgrounds with conveniences such as RV hookups and bathrooms, Len reminded last-minute travelers that camping is allowed just about anywhere in the forest.
“People will be scrambling for sites everywhere,” said Pam Ellis of Farragut State Park. “I expect we will be full unless the weather dampens people’s gusto.”
The popular Idaho park on Lake Pend Oreille has about 135 campsites. Only 35 spaces were available late Thursday. The rest were reserved or occupied. Ellis has fielded a constant stream of calls checking on vacant space. “Right now, I can’t promise them a thing. It changes by the hour.”
For many outdoor enthusiasts, this weekend will be the maiden camping trip for 1998. It’s time to air out tents, sleeping bags and other gear stuffed into the garage for winter. It’s also time to break out fishing poles. This weekend marks the opening of stream fishing in Idaho, but Washington anglers have to wait until June 1 to wet a line.
Savvy Memorial Day campers reserved their favorite site eight months ago to ensure prime lakeside relaxation.
“If it’s a campground where you can make a reservation, my guess is this weekend was booked last October,” said Greg Hetzler, a recreational forester with the U.S. Forest Service. “It’s pretty much the first official camping weekend. People are eager to get out. It’s going to be very, very busy.”
Some camping areas have a telephone reservation system. It allows campers from anywhere in the nation to book a site up to 240 days in advance. There are about 850 campgrounds using the service. One of the most popular sites on the national system is Luby Bay at Priest Lake - a body of water so clean and clear it’s called Idaho’s crown jewel.
“People like to get away from it all up here,” said Patty Jackson, a Forest Service spokesman at Priest Lake. “We don’t have a lot of concrete buildings. It’s quiet and the water is crystal clear and beautiful.” The area has vast hiking and biking trails, along with prime spots for mushroom and huckleberry hunting.
Of all the Forest Service campgrounds in Bonner and Boundary counties, and some in Newport, Wash., Luby Bay ranked second in generating revenue. Last year it pulled in $37,000 in camping fees. Sam Owen in Hope, Idaho, topped the list with a take of $50,000.
Sam Owen has 82 campsites near the shore of Lake Pend Orielle. Like Priest Lake, it’s popular with Washington residents and Canadians. There are still some sites available.
Half the 25 Luby Bay sites are by reservation only and are booked. Another 93 campsites at two Priest Lake state parks, Indian Creek and White Pine, are snapped up already.
The only camping areas left around Priest Lake are on a first-come, first-served basis.
“If there’s available sites, the risk is if you have to drive a couple hours. By the time you get there those sites could be taken,” Hetzler said. Some people will arrive only to find the dreaded “campground full” sign.
College students used to make it a Memorial Day ritual to camp and party at Priest Lake. Authorities finally cracked down on the revelers because of vandalism and underage drinking.
Law enforcement is still out in full force, however, partly to keep the peace among campers packed into close quarters.
One place often assumed to be full and overlooked is Riverside State Park northwest of Spokane. The park has 101 campsites, all on a first-come basis. No reservations are taken. The park hasn’t filled up the last six Memorial Days.
“Because we are so close to the city people assume we are packed,” park spokeswoman Nancy Farrar said. Also, “Most people in the city want to get further away.”
The lower part of the park usually fills up, but Farrar said there are another 40 camping spots in the upper area of the park.
“I would love to see it full,” she said.
MORE INFORMATION
Individual ranger districts should have information on available camp sites and weather conditions.
Following are telephone numbers for a few popular areas in Washington and Idaho:
All Washington state parks: 1-800-233-0321
Priest Lake state parks: 208-443-2200
Farragut State Park: 208-683-2425
Priest Lake Ranger District: 208-443-2512
Colville National Forest: 509-684-7000
Sandpoint Ranger District: 208-263-5111
Nez Perce National Forest: 208-983-1950
Panhandle National Forest: 208-765-7223