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Originally published by the Idaho Press-Tribune.
Memorial Day weekend is considered by most to be the start of summer vacation season — a large portion of students are done with school for the year, the temperatures are heating up and campgrounds and recreation areas are opening for business.
This year, AAA Travel projects more than 37 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend, a 4.7 percent increase from 2014 numbers. It’s the biggest spike since 2005.
Dave Carlson, director of public and government affairs at AAA Idaho, said in a news release that more than 195,000 Idahoans will be among those travelers. He attributed that in part to lower gas prices — which are $2.75 on average across the state versus $3.59 at the same time last year — and also to a stronger economy and weather.
“Much of the rest of the country is chomping at the bit, looking for a travel getaway following a cold, snowy winter,” Carlson said. “Our weather was milder, but we suspect Idahoans have a little cabin fever, too, which should translate into a heavier-than-normal travel weekend.”
The outlook is good for the rest of the warm months, too, according to Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Jennifer Okerlund. Occupancy in Idaho state parks is up nearly 6.7 percent from 2014, and campsites are almost completely full this weekend.
“It’s really looking like it’s going to be a great summer,” Okerlund said. “… As gas prices start to rise, families are looking for close-to-home places to recreate.”
The Idaho State Park Passport, a $10 annual sticker that offers unlimited day use to any Idaho state park, is also more popular this year. Okerlund said revenue for passports is up 12 percent over last year.
“I’m not sure if just because of the passport we’ve been able to share this more with Idahoans than in the past, or if it’s just truly that Idahoans are taking notice that we’ve got these great places,” Okerlund said.
Carlson added Friday that according to analysis from IHS Global Insight, he thinks summer travel will be up in general, too.
“I would expect we’ll see bigger travel days throughout the summer,” Carlson said.
Nicole Musgrove, membership coordinator at the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center in downtown McCall, said business is booming in that area for recreation.
“We are expecting to be pretty busy (this summer). We have been calling hotels recently about large groups or conferences, and most of the hotels have large amounts of time that there are no rooms available,” Musgrove said. “… We just seem to be packing them in with events and things to do.”
At the Idaho Department of Commerce Tourism Development agency, Tourism Manager Diane Norton said using the bed tax as an indicator, tourism is up nearly 8 percent from 2014. A bed tax is imposed by a local government on hotel stays within its jurisdiction.
At a recent conference with lodging partners and chambers of commerce from across Idaho, Norton said feedback was encouraging.
“The indicators looked really good as far as the summer months. A lot of people are at capacity or almost at capacity,” she said. “It looks like it’s going to be a great summer for Idaho.”
LET’S GO CAMPING
Many campgrounds in Idaho are open year-round, but some typically open on Memorial Day or over Memorial Day weekend and close up shop around Labor Day weekend in September. Here are some sites to look for in the coming days of summer for camping. Many sites accept reservations at www.recreation.gov. For information about campsites across Idaho, go to http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/intermtn/boiscmp.htm.
Information is from the Boise National Forest website.
Amanita — Near Donnelly and nestled right next to Lake Cascade. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Bonneville — Near Lowman on a bluff above the south fork of the Payette River. A hot springs is also located about 0.2 miles from the north end of the campground. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Evans Creek — Near Mountain Home on Anderson Ranch Reservoir, and most of the sites are on the edge of a lake. There is no charge to camp but the maximum stay is 14 days.
French Creek — Near Cascade, with an upper and lower section, the lower section being next to Lake Cascade and French Creek. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Helende — Near Lowman, between State Route 21 and the south fork of the Payette River. Close to Lowman Nature Ponds, a popular destination for fishing with children. The rate is $12 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Mountain View — Near Lowman, the campground winds along the north shore of the south fork of the Payette River just off State Route 21. Lowman Nature Ponds are 12 miles away from this camp. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Power Plant — Near Lowman, the campground stretches above the north fork of the Boise River and has a view of the Sawtooth wilderness. Some sites have a view of Mount Greylock. There is also a “secret” hot springs nearby. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Rainbow Point — Near Donnelly, this site makes a loop near the west shore of Lake Cascade and north of Amanita campground. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Riverside Forest Camp — Near Lowman, this campground is a loop next to the middle fork of the Boise River. Several camp sites are next to the river, but the water can be heard throughout the campground. The rate is $12 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Shoreline — Near Cascade, this site is made up of two loops, with some camps next to Warm Lake. Warm Lake is true to its name, with an average summertime temperature of 70 degrees. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
South Fork Salmon River — Near Cascade, this campground is located along the south fork of the Salmon River close to Warm Lake Road. But bring tools to lock up your food — this is bear country. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Warm Lake — Near Cascade, this campground is back in the trees and located across the road from Warm Lake and Warm Lake Lodge and Resort. There are also hot springs in the area. The rate is $15 per day with a maximum stay of 14 days permitted.
Yellowpine — Near Cascade, this location winds along Johnson Creek and is close to the tiny town of Yellow Pine. During the first full week in August, Yellow Pine has a Harmonica Festival as well. There is no charge to stay at this campground but a maximum stay of 14 days.
CLOSE TO HOME
Here’s a look at 10 popular things to do over the summer that aren’t more than 20 miles from Nampa. All 101 ideas can be found in Sunday’s 101 Things To Do guide.
Make a 360-loop at Roaring Springs Waterpark — The water park opens today at 11 a.m., weather permitting. General summertime hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week. General one-day passes for adults are about $30. Discounted prices are available for children and teens.Watch the crowning of the dairy princess at Meridian Dairy Days — Idaho recently overtook New York as the third-highest milk producing state in 2014 behind California and Wisconsin. What better way to celebrate the state’s agricultural roots than to attend Meridian’s 86th Dairy Days Festival? The event this year will be June 15-20.Pedal down to the Nampa Downtown Criterium — Between 100-150 bicycle racers will take to the streets of Nampa on June 15 as part of a full afternoon and evening of cycling activities that includes a citizens race, kids races, kids activity areas and local retailers. A criterium, commonly referred to as a “crit,” is a short, multi-lap, closed circuit road cycling race traditionally held in an urban setting.Attend the God and Country Fireworks show — Join in on this non-denominational celebration July 2 at the Idaho Center for a night of family-friendly fun, including the Treasure Valley’s largest fireworks show, Christian bands, military appreciation elements, civic awards, food and fellowship.Celebrate at Melba’s Olde Tyme Fourth of July — Melba’s 2015 celebration will be the 22nd year of its celebration filled with fun, laughter, games, events for all ages and culminating with a grand display of fireworks. The celebration has events throughout the day and throughout town.Enjoy the 100th Snake River Stampede — Boasting a $400,000 payoff, the Snake River Stampede is one of the top 10 regular season professional rodeos in the nation. The stampede, held July 14-18, has evolved from a small, local bucking horse competition in the early 1900s to a major professional sports event.Go to the Canyon County Fair — See all the Canyon County Fair has to offer from July 23-26. This year’s fair concert line-up features some of today’s newest country stars, Old Dominion with special guests Haley and Michaels, Brett Eldredge and Easton Corbin. This year will also feature Knights of Valour, a full heavy armor jousting tournament. Concerts are free with fair admission. Reserved seating tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. Tickets are available at www.canyoncountyfair.org.Watch ‘em buck at the 81st Caldwell Night Rodeo — The Caldwell Night Rodeo is listed among the top 20 professional rodeos in the nation and draws crowds in the neighborhood of 40,000 over five nights, Aug. 18-22. The best professional cowboys in the world make the Caldwell Night Rodeo an annual stop in their schedule.Feel the rumble at the Indian Creek Festival — The rumble of muscle cars combined with the sounds of live music and the rushing water of Indian Creek in downtown Caldwell each September are synonymous with the annual Indian Creek Festival. This year’s dates are Sept. 12-13.Make a new friend at Babby Farms — Babby Farms in Caldwell is a nonprofit petting zoo started in 2009 to offer one-on-one experiences with farm animals as well as exotics to individuals with disabilities. To offset those costs, the farm offers admittance to the general public, as well. Babby Farms is USDA and ISDA-certified and a member of the ZAA.
ROAD TRIP REMINDERS
If you or family members and friends are headed out on a planned or spontaneous road trip this summer, these tips can be helpful to avoid a vehicle breakdown. Information from Jiffy Lube road survey.Check fuel levels of motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid and windshield wiper fluid. Top off or change fluids as needed.n Make sure headlights, taillights, turn signals, parking lights and license plate lights are all working properly. Replace any bulbs that may have burned out and consider getting lights cleaned.Consider keeping a car emergency kit in your trunk for any unforeseeable car issues that may arise during your trip — with a flashlight, jumper cables, batteries, electrical tape, a rain poncho, a reflective safety vest and an emergency blanket. Also consider a medical kit.Keep a gallon of distilled water in the trunk of your vehicle in case your vehicle begins to overheat. If this happens, pull over, turn off the engine and slowly raise the hood as water and/or steam could spray. Identify the locations of the coolant reservoir, radiator cap or pressure cap via the owner’s manual. Check the reservoir level and add water appropriately or locate the radiator or pressure cap on select vehicle models and add the appropriate amount of water.Match the load rate of your vehicle (found in the owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side door) with the estimated weight of your family and luggage. Excess weight consumes more gasoline.Check tire air pressure, including the spare. Check the pressure when the tire is cold/at air temperature, not after an extended drive on the highway or after driving for more than five minutes.