Forecasters are predicting beautiful weather for this weekend, when state park campgrounds will celebrate Camping Kickoff, May 4 – 6. State parks will feature more than 40 events across the state, including hikes, kayaking demonstrations, fishing clinics and much more to celebrate the start of the season. A full schedule of programs is available at www.iowadnr.gov/campingkickoff. Campers will also receive a free summer issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine.

Those wanting to join the Camping Kickoff celebration can make advanced reservations through today (Wednesday, May 2). Reservations can be made at https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-877-427-2757. Phone center hours are 7 AM to 7 PM CST. After today (Wednesday), campers can use walk-in camping on a first-come, first-serve basis for any sites not already reserved. Iowa’s Camping Kickoff is in conjunction with the national Let’s Camp America! initiative, when state parks across the country will celebrate the start of the camping season.