After struggling through a cool, wet spring, visitation bounced back in July at state parks as numbers were reported up by 3.5 percent over July 2007.

"July Fourth weekend was excellent statewide," Doug Hofer, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, said at a Game, Fish & Parks meeting Thursday in Pierre. "Good weather and higher water levels helped push visitation upward throughout the month."

Leading the way in July were parks at Lake Oahe and Angostura, where visitation was up 55 percent and 64 percent, respectively, over 2007. Higher water levels in these reservoirs has greatly improved visitation at these popular parks, officials said.

To make camping reservations at South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, go to www.campsd.com or call 800-710-2267.

Parks are currently accepting reservations for arrivals the rest of summer and into the fall camping season.