Closed Campsites Make For Some Unhappy Campers This Holiday Weekend

A lot of folks will head to lakes for Memorial Day this weekend, but some will find their favorite campgrounds aren't available this year.

The Corps of Engineers said it doesn't have the money to open its campsites along the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System.

"Every summer, we go camping all the time," said Katy Smith.

Smith and her family were shocked to learn some of their favorite campsites, like Afton Landing, will not be open for business this season.

"We've gone to Afton. Really, we've gone all over, because it's all right here close. I'd hate to see any of them shut down," she said.

The Army Corps of Engineers is strapped for cash, so the majority of campgrounds along the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System won't open for the summer.

Bluff Landing is the only Corps park along the river that will remain open. Boat ramps at some of the closed campsites will also be open.

5/14/2013 Related Story: Corps Says Navigation System Campgrounds To Stay Closed

"We're trying to balance it, but at a certain point, it really comes down to just dollars and cents, as to how much we have to manage those particular parks and systems," said Kent Dunlap, with the Corps.

The closings will only impact areas along the navigation system. Campgrounds at Tulsa District Lakes, like Fort Gibson, will not directly feel the impact, but campers there worry there will be a crowding problem during holidays.

"There's not enough space over the holidays, anyway, so it will effect all of us," Smith said. "With those places closed, can you imagine? It's just going to be wall-to-wall people."

Dunlap said, "It's always tight. It's going to be a little tighter this year, because we do have some campsites that are going to be unavailable unfortunately."

Corps leaders recommend making reservations online for campsites or getting there early.

The Oklahoma State Parks coordinator says their parks along the navigational system will remain open.

Some of their parks allow reservations, but most are on a first come, first serve basis.