Pike Lake Campground Memorial Day Weekend Camper Numbers Down
Pike Lake Campground Memorial Day Weekend Camper Numbers Down
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Pike Lake Campground Memorial Day Weekend Camper Numbers DownMemorial Day weekend is known to be one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, but Pike Lake Campground numbers were down last weekend.
Ira Werker, campground manager, said the campground has 80 sites, but 60 sites were full last weekend. That is 20 percent less than Memorial Day weekend in 2008.Werker is going on his 16th season at the campground. He said he thinks the economy contributed to the decrease in weekend camping.
The holiday weekend numbers accounted for a few local campers, but 90 percent of the campers were from out of town.
"Camping is discretionary spending, so if someone is concerned about losing a job or has lost a job, they cut back on something like camping," Werker said.
He said the travelers from U.S. 30 the campground usually picks up over the holiday weekend were down, and not as many people were traveling.
He said he expects summer campers to come from the south, but they usually don't arrive until June 1.
"Most of my downturn is from those tho stay on the weekend," Werker said.
He said he has enjoyed getting to know campers over the years. He has seen campers start as children and grow up and still camp at the campground.
Werker said seasonal camping numbers haven't changed.
The campground season runs from April 15 to Oct. 1.
Campers can stay by the day, week, month or seasonally.
To make camping reservations, call Werker at 574-269-1439.
