Snow in the high country is delaying the opening of some campgrounds on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests this season.

U.S. Forest Service recreation planners recommend that you check with your local Forest Service office before heading out.

If there is a problem with your reservation you will receive notice from the National Recreation Reservation Service. Reservations may be canceled altogether or changed to an alternate date. The reservation service can be contacted at http://www.recreation.gov/ or call 1-888-448-1471.

At this time some high elevation campgrounds are opening late because the amount of snow is prohibitive. In other cases, continued low and potentially freezing temperatures prevent the operation of our water systems. In a few locations the lakes and reservoirs are partially frozen creating some unsafe conditions for anglers.

A sample of campground openings and delays:
Campgrounds currently open include Lake Isabel, sites along the South Platte River and in the Manitou Park area north of Woodland Park. Eleven Mile Canyon will open as scheduled. Jefferson Lake and the campgrounds at Rampart Reservoir are all tentatively scheduled to open on May 15.

Sites at higher elevations like Blue and Bear Lake, Kenosha and Hall Valley will be delayed, but should be available for the Memorial Day weekend.

In Lake County, Twin Lakes and Lakeview campgrounds will be open as scheduled. The recreation facilities at Turquoise Lake may not be open for the Memorial Day weekend.

In Chaffee County, the campgrounds will be open on time but Monarch Campground will not be available until mid-June.