A surge in state park visitation is stretching into autumn.
Income at state parks was up 55 percent in September compared to the same month last year.
Parks and Recreation Division Director Scott Simpson described the numbers as “epic.”
"The September that we just had was crazy," he said. "We usually after Labor Day start to see a drop-off, and we just didn’t see it.
"I was talking to some guys yesterday and they said even this last weekend - you know, first of October - we had some campgrounds that were still full, and that’s just unheard of this time of year.”
Simpson said the pandemic has pushed people toward outdoor activities. He also credits good weather.
Last summer was unusually cold and rainy, but this year, sunny and warm days have stretched into the fall.
For the year, camping usage is up 22 percent in the parks.