Grand Canyon National Park reopened Saturday morning after being closed since Oct. 1. Many campers have turned to state parks instead.
With many campsites still shuttered because of the government shutdown, those longing for the great outdoors are still finding refuge at Arizona state parks. Facilities have seen a 10 percent increase in visitors because campsites at the national parks have been closed.
The state parks' Ellen Bilbrey says it's been a real scramble for those trying to find a place to pitch a tent.
"We only have 14 sites available in the state of Arizona and with 250 shut down, trying to get everyone a place on the weekend that they want to be there is difficult with out of state guests and in state guests," Bilbrey said.
She said your best bet to avoid disappointment is to log on to the state parks website and make a reservation online.
