Campgrounds fill up for summer's first big weekend

Reno, Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas are some of the top Memorial

Day weekend destinations for Northern Californians, according to a survey conducted by the American Automobile Association.

"People have been postponing their expensive vacations and opting to go somewhere more economical," association spokesman Sean Comey said. "People need a long, power weekend."

With current chaotic events such as the Iraq war and the SARS outbreak, Comey said, people feel the need to relax.

"Eighty-one percent said their vacation would help to relieve anxiety," he said. "[A vacation] is more of a need than a want."

He also said gas prices are decreasing and the price change gives people an incentive to travel.

Many local campgrounds are booked for the weekend with visitors from all parts of the nation.

All spots at Topaz Lake R.V. Park have been reserved since the first of the year, said lodge clerk Pam Jones. Jones said Topaz has been busy for several weeks, but this is the first full weekend. It intends to stay booked for the remainder of the summer, she added.

Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground has all of its cabins occupied but still has 40 of its 57 campsites open along with additional RV sites, said Scott Englehardt, Zephyr Cove accommodations supervisor.

"We have visitors from all over the U.S.," Englehardt said. "This is the place to experience Lake Tahoe."

Campers should call ahead in order to find out if spaces are available at any campground destination.

According to the National Weather Service, the weekend should remain mostly sunny with highs in the 70s to low 80s.

Many businesses and offices will be closed or change hours for the holiday, including:

-- Most banks and credit unions will be closed for the holiday.

-- The PRIDE bus service from Carson City to Reno will not operate Monday.

-- The Carson City Senior Center and senior centers in Dayton, Douglas County, Silver Springs and Virginia City will be closed on Monday.

-- The Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada will be closed Monday.

-- City Halls and chambers of commerce will be closed Monday.

-- Carson City Marriage Bureau will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-- Nevada State Library and Archives and Carson City Library will closed on Monday. The Douglas County Library will be closed as well.

-- The Nevada Appeal office will be closed Monday. The newspaper will publish daily. Reach the newsroom at 881-1215 and subscriber services at 882-2515.

-- Carson Aquatic Facility will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday for a swim meet. The Carson Valley Swim Center will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

-- Offices at Western Nevada Community College will also be closed Monday.

-- The Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum will be open all weekend and Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but will be closed Monday.

-- The Carson City Sheriff's Department will be closed. In case of an emergency, dial 911.