According to the director of South Dakota Parks and Recreation the state has seen an increase in the amount of revenue the state parks are generating.

Director Doug Hofer says revenue through the end of June was up almost 5 percent from the same period last year, despite the cold spring weather. License revenue is also up about 6 percent due to an increase in annual park entrance licenses. Camping permits are also up 9 percent.

This increase was reflected during the recent Fourth of July holiday. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reported full campgrounds and day use areas during the holiday weekend.

"For the most part, campgrounds were full from Wednesday through Sunday," said Hofer. "The warm weather kept the boat ramps and beaches full."

Fisher Grove State Park had its first holiday weekend since the campground opened.

"We were happy to see the campground at capacity over the weekend," said regional park supervisor Becky Graff. "It's nice to have  facilities available in that area again."

The Associated Press reported total revenue for park entrance licenses and camping had reached nearly $7.1 million by the end of June, up nearly 5 percent from a year earlier.

The Associated Press Contributed to This Report

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