Should we stay or should we go?

By JENNIFER MOONSONG
Glasgow Daily Times

September 06, 2008 03:15 pm

— Staycations have been dub-bed 2008’s top travel trend.
With the popularity of staycations on the rise, state parks have been enjoyed and utilized more by the local population this summer.
Dave Dahle, lead park ranger of Barren River Lake State Park that visitation is up 7.5 percent this July, when compared to July 2007.
“We are seeing more locals,” said Dahle, “which includes Glasgow, Scottsville and Bowling Green, to our campgrounds than before and less Louisville area campers.”
The rise in local bodies is attributed to high fuel prices.
“Camping is actually a fairly cheap alternative to taking a driving vacation,” Dahle added.
“Once you get to the campground you are looking at about $20 per day for your campsite.”
Another observation that Dahle made regarding the travel trends of the season involves boaters.
“Boating use at the lake seems pretty stable, but we are seeing more boats that are anchored than those that are tubing and skiing. The cost of gas has caused some to park their boats rather than doing a lot of driving around.”
Labor Day weekend also brought more people out to the lake.
“We had a fantastic weekend here at the lake,” said park ranger Jon Fillingham. “No major injuries or accidents occurred. Visitation to the park was projected to be up almost 20 percent compared to last year despite higher fuel costs.”