State Park Entrance License Purchases Jump So Far This Year

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says the number of park entrance licenses purchased for state parks has grown so far this year.

The Daily Republic reports that visitors bought about 172,000 park entrance licenses by the end of June, compared to 155,000 during the same period last year.

Bob Schneider is assistant director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. He says camping in particular is growing in popularity, with increased numbers every year for a decade.

Schneider says there's been good weather this year and summer storms haven't forced any parks to be closed for the weekend.

South Dakota's park system includes a historic prairie, five nature areas, 13 state parks, 43 recreation areas, 69 lakeside use areas and 240 public water access areas.

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