An official with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the Lewis and Clark State Park campground near Onawa, was reopened to campers, Thursday, nearly two months after it was closed as a precaution ahead of the predicted Missouri River flooding.

Kevin Szcodronski, chief of State Parks for the Iowa DNR, says they “Pulled all the electrical breakers, and removed other expensive utilities to try to minimize the impact of the flood waters, but the flood did not come,” so they didn’t have the extensive clean up they initially thought would be necessary, in order to reopen the park.

Szcrodronski says “The campground, lodge and modern restrooms are open with two caveats: for the rest of the recreation season, campsites will be available on a first come basis and several campsites immediately along Blue Lake will remain closed to allow them to further dry out.”

The lodge can be reserved by calling the park office at 712-423-2829. The Lewis and Clark State Park draws on average, about 25,000 campers per year.