(Spirit Lake)– A popular lakes area campground is about to get a major facelift.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced today (Tues.) the project at Emerson Bay has been released for contractors to bid on. Work is to begin this coming June 1st. Completion is slated for this coming September 30th.
The project includes upgrading electrical service, leveling sites and adding a graveled space and new fire rings at each site. The new sites will be angled for easier backing. A water line to the new shower building will also be replaced.
Once completed, Emerson Bay will have 82 electrical sites…25 more than what currently exists. 23 will offer sewer and water connections.
Officials say the new campground will also have a slightly different appearance with the elimination of a road and some brush, and camping pads will be put in areas that were previously tent sites. They say the number of tents that will be allowed is still being determined.
Due to the project, Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the DNR’s State Parks Bureau, says they will not take reservations for camping at Emerson Bay for dates beyond June 1st. He says walk-in only camping will be allowed in the event construction doesn’t get started until after June 1st.
