Start early when planning Labor Day weekend travel

The Labor Day weekend is the last of the summer's three-day getaways and, therefore, one of the busiest.

The usual warnings are out:

1. Expect campgrounds to be full.

2. Expect lakes and reservoirs to be crowded.

3. Expect highways to be busy.

4. Expect fishing to be good. This is the last big push for stocking and, with the cooler temperatures, expect fish to be more active.

5. And, reviewing the latest weather report, expect good weather.

There are still some camping spots open at state parks. As is typical for this time of year, the shift in travel plans is from south to north.

Over Easter and Memorial Day weekends, it is the southern parks that tend to fill first. With the warmer temperatures over Labor Day, now its the northern parks.

Camping sites, for example, are available at Snow Canyon, Yuba, Sand Hollow and Otter Creek, and also at Antelope Island, Starvation, Green River and Red Fleet.

Park reservations can be made at 322-3770 within the Salt Lake City area and 1-800-322-3770 outside the area.

Arrive early. Most of the camping areas are filled before the holiday starts. Those leaving a campsite tend to move out early. If there is no site available, look for accommodations in nearby towns.

As expected, all of the ramps at the popular boating waters are useable. Unlike last year, when low water levels closed some ramps, reservoir levels this year have remained high enough to keep ramps water-covered.

Temperatures are also comfortable at this time of year. Temperatures at Bear Lake, East Canyon, Deer Creek, Jordanelle and Rockport are all in the 70s.

Water at Gunlock was 78 degrees this week, Willard Bay was 80, Lake Powell was 80 and Flaming Gorge was 68.

Among the scheduled activities are:

Friday — An antique tractor and engine parade at 4 p.m. running along the 11-mile road to Fielding Garr Ranch.

Friday — A program talking about the life of Butch Cassidy at the Iron Mission in Cedar City at 7 p.m.

Saturday — Kite-flying contest at 11 a.m. on Antelope Island's Bridger Bay Beach; hike to Buffalo Point at 4 p.m.; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. learn pioneer games, crafts and skills from park staff and volunteer at the ranch.