So, what are you doing Labor Day 2009?
If your plans include camping at Canby’s Del Clark Lake and Stone Hill Park, make a reservation soon.
Park manager Ron Fjkerenstad said he’s already taking camp site requests for summer’s last hurrah 16 months from now.
Even with park expansions in recent years, according to Fjkerenstad, there’s simply more demand than supply. “You can’t just call up the day before and expect to get a spot, “ he said.
There are currently 64 sites with camper hookups and of that number, 28 are dedicated to “seasonal contracts,” rented for the entire summer at the rate of $1,300.
Fjkerenstad estimated that in any given year, just about half of those long term camp sites belong to Canbyans. The remaining, 14 or 15 go to RVers from a three or four county area, including residents of Marshall, Montevideo, Dawson and Minneota.
The park’s other 36 spots are for overnight and weekly stays, renting at a rate of $19.75 per day.
Stone Hill’s officially opened May 1, but, he said, this year’s late spring may mean a slower startup. “We might have to fudge a little on the water system for a while, Fjkerenstad said, since nighttime temperatures below 30 are still predicted.
While some would-be campers have lobbied for even more expansion, Fjkerenstad said it may be the wrong move. He believes a less crowded environment in the park is one of its major attractions. “You can reach out and touch the guy next to you in some places.”
But there’s still plenty of room for people who want to enjoy the park even if you don’t camp, he said.
The swimming beach, fishing pier, boat ramp and picnic shelter are open to the public throughout the five-month season. A day pass is $3 and a summer long sticker for your windshield is $20.
The fun shuts down again on or about Oct. 1, Fjkerenstad said. Depending on Mother Nature’s mood, he added, sometime you can squeak out an extra week or two.
