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Kansas campgrounds struggle to stay afloat amid floodwaters


EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — People camping in southeast Kansas this holiday weekend are being advised to reserve a spot or arrive early because floodwater levels have closed some campgrounds.

El Dorado State Park manager Seth Turner told the Wichita Eagle Monday that areas where campsites are first-come, first-served are already filling in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend.

Turner says that on a good holiday weekend, the park might host up to 70,000 people. He says the park still saw about 40,000 people last year despite bad weather.

Linda Lanterman is the state park director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Lanterman says the parks will be fine despite some unavailable campsites because they’re seeing increased popularity and revenue.

Turner says it could be weeks before the park’s water levels stabilize.

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