Visitors to SD State Parks down in 2022

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The number of visitors to South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas is down, but those that show up are staying longer.

Scott Simpson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Game, Fish & Parks Department, says they weren’t surprised by the dip.

Simpson told the Game, Fish & Parks Commission that camping numbers jumped.

Simpson says revenue sort of follows the visitation numbers.

Simpson says several parks have also had damage from storms in May and June that have impacted some camping sites.