For the week of June 12 - 18, 2002

SNRA prepares for very busy summer

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

Sawtooth National Recreation Area managers are predicting that this will be one of the busiest summers in the recreation area in years.

That means last year’s 1.2 million visitor days could easily be surpassed, and camp sites may be difficult to come by.

In only two days this spring, Redfish Lake campgrounds filled within hours of being offered on ReserveUSA.com, the SNRA’s campground reservation service. Additionally, weekend camping at Stanley Lake Campground is already booked full for every weekend of the summer.

Many SNRA campsites, however, are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To prepare for the expected busy summer, SNRA managers are advising campground management companies to prepare for large numbers of visitors and are increasing the availability of Forest Service personnel, including those at interpretive sites at Redfish Lake and Wood River Campground.

In a summer travel survey conducted before Memorial Day, the American Automobile Association found that more people are planning to travel by car this summer than ever before. Additionally, more people are planning to travel to national parks and historic destinations than ever before.

Finally, Southern Idaho reservoirs are low, which historically means higher numbers of boating enthusiasts head to the natural lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains, Recreation Manager Eric McQuay.

"If you don’t have a reservation, be prepared to look elsewhere if you can’t find a campsite in your favorite location," SNRA Area Ranger Deb Cooper said. "We’re planning on making the summer of 2002 a wonderful experience for everyone.

"And it will be a big help if visitors remember ot call ahead to learn what campsites are available. There are lots of great camping opportunities located away from the heavily used areas."

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.