(Radio Iowa) – With the unofficial first weekend of summer behind us, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding Iowans about the multitude of state and county parks that offer camping options. D-N-R wildlife biologist Matt Dollison says the more prominent and popular campsites often fill up quickly, so he recommends checking out the local spots, too. “You might consider looking at some less-used county facilities,” Dollison suggested. “For instance, the Fremont County Conservation Board has eight campsites for plug-in here at the golf course in Fremont County. That might be a nice emergency spot to go. There’s plenty of spots out there like that across southwest Iowa. Just look for those ‘off the beaten path,’ less-traveled places to find a hookup.”

Dollison says tent camping sites are typically more readily available and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, he adds there are a couple of tent-camping-specific tips to keep in mind.  “If you’re tent camping for the first time ever, try to plan for some shade in the morning,” he said. “If it’s shady at night when you’re setting it up, that might not be shady in the morning. If you set that tent up in the sun, it’s going to be unbearably hot in there generally by about 8 a.m.” Dollison also recommends having supplies readily available, including bug and sun protection.

“There’s plenty of ticks out there at this time of year, and mosquitoes aren’t going to be too bad in most of our area with how dry it’s been, but bug spray is definitely something to consider having, and sunblock if you’re going to be out in the sun,” said Dollison.” Learn more about Iowa’s state parks at iowadnr.gov.