DOOR COUNTY, Wis (NBC 26) -- It's shaping up to be a busy spring and summer season at state parks across Wisconsin. The DNR says coming off the heels of one of the busiest years ever for state parks in 2020, they anticipate 2021 to be likely just as busy.
It was back in June of 2020 when Wisconsin state parks opened their gates once again, allowing campers to come back in after more than two-month hiatus.
"During the pandemic a number of things were closed, and people had limited opportunities for things to do. I think that really opened state parks as a new opportunity for a lot of people," says Erin Brown Stender the Park Superintendent for the Potawatomi State Park.
Erin says at Potawatomi State Park, attendance in 2020 was up over 20 percent compared to an average year. She adds that the interest from people seeking to explore the outdoors lasted even as the temperatures dropped.
"We had a relatively mild winter which I think kind of kept the park open to more people."
And just three months into 2021, camping reservations are already getting difficult to book at some parks. Scheduled bookings right now, according to Brown Stender, are up about 33 percent compared to last year. Some visiting the park on Wednesday, say they plan on 2021 being another outdoor season for their families.
"Walking, hiking, just trying to enjoy the outdoors. Noticing a little bit of the foliage before it changes," says Jerad Blatz of Fond du Lac who is visiting Potawatomi with his family.
For the first time ever in 2021, Blatz and his family bought a season park pass. They say they plan on exploring more of the state this year than they ever have.
"Oh yeah, a lot more camping this year."
Already attendance at Potawatomi State Park in 2021, is up 25 percent according to Brown Stender. And if that is any indication of what the summer will look like at parks across the state, you might want to try and secure your reservation now.
"If you have some flexibility on dates or locations you can travel to, you might still find some great opportunities out there," says Brown Stender.
