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SALT LAKE CITY — With Memorial Day just around the corner, Utahns are gearing up for a weekend of camping. However, those hoping to find a camping spot at one of Utah's state parks are rapidly running out of time.
It's typical for Utah's campsites to be mostly filled for Memorial Day weekend, but this year seems campsites are in higher demand than in previous years.
"I think this was a little bit more than we were prepared for," said Deena Loyola with Utah State Parks.
Loyola said they're just as busy, if not busier than last year. Campers trying to get into any one of the state parks might be out of luck, as many have already been reserved to capacity.
"Twenty nine of our 32 parks that offer camping are completely booked this weekend," she said.
We didn't really expect to be this busy. We've kind of had a wet spring. We weren't sure what to expect. But we certainly are expecting huge crowds this weekend.
–Deena Loyola with Utah State Parks
The pleasant weather forecast matched by the possibility that many people may want to stay close to home for the long weekend is driving increased interest in camping as for the holiday, Loyola said. But still, the interest is more than expected.
"We didn't really expect to be this busy," Loyola said. "We've kind of had a wet spring. We weren't sure what to expect. But we certainly are expecting huge crowds this weekend."
For more information on state campgrounds, reservations and fees, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov/reservations.
