Plenty of campsites left for May long weekend, province says

Roll out your sleeping bags and pack themarshmallows.The unofficial kick off to summer camping season in Manitobalooks to be a good one.

May long weekend has been marked by rainy cold weather in the past, but this weekend's forecast is looking a little sunnier.

• Dreary forecast prompts Manitobans to cancel weekend camping plans
• Cold weather tanks camping reservations for long weekend

With temperaturesexpected to be in the high 20s and showers only creeping in on Monday, the weekend looks promising for campers.

The province says campsites are still available and campers can check the availability oftheir preferred site online.

So far campsite bookings are at 29 per cent, which shows a nineper centincrease over last year's bookings in the days leading up to the long weekend.Last May, several campers cancelled their campsite reservations after rain and cold weather kept them indoors.

There are currently no provincial burn bans in place for the weekend, howevermunicipalitiesmay have their own burning restrictions in placeand people are encouraged to check with their local municipality.

Fires will be allowedinside approved firepits within provincial parks, but if conditions change campers will be notified.

Provincial parks also have a ban on alcohol over the long weekendso campers are reminded to leave the boozy drinks at home.

The Mantario hiking trail remains closed due to the wildfires in the area.