MACON COUNTY, MISSOURI --  

Memorial Day weekend has Missouri State Parks jam packed with campers celebrating the unofficial start of summer. Management at Long Branch State Park say they have a full campground for the long weekend and are expecting a busy summer.

“With the trends we're seeing in the economy, we're getting a lot more families into our parks because it's a cheaper vacation and folks can stay close to home. I do see a lot more of the locals coming back to camp more so than a lot of the out-of-staters,” said Park Superintendent Dustin Webb.

The park has a few new additions this year, like the new marina store. Campers can stop by the store for all the basic fishing, boating, and camping supplies. The store will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.