When visitors return to the Lake Guntersville Campground this summer, it will be to a newly upgraded facility. A little more than two years has passed since a series of tornadoes destroyed much of the campground. The public is invited to attend the re-opening celebration on Saturday, May 18, 2013, which kicks off with a ceremonial tree planting at 11 a.m. Scheduled to be present are Marshall County Commission Chairman James Hutcheson, Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein and Lake Guntersville State Park Superintendent Michael Jeffreys.

After the tree planting, the following free activities are planned throughout the afternoon:

• Free lunch courtesy of Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, prepared by volunteers from the Wakefield Fire Department.
• Live music by Country Case, Chasing Chad and The Shii Bands
• Water slide, dunk tank, bungee jump, face-painting and boat rides.
• Radio remotes by WQSB in the morning and 92.7 FunRadio in the afternoon
• Camper displays by Bankston Motorhomes
• Boat displays by Freedom Marine
• Mower demonstration by Geraldine Hardware and Turf
• Asbury Fire and Rescue fire truck display
• Fly-bys by local pilots in antique airplanes
• Corn Hole Tournament with prizes
• Door prizes and giveaways donated by local merchants
• Marshall County Sheriff’s Department Meth Hearse

Visitors will also be able to tour the upgraded campground. While it was closed during the tornado clean-up, park officials took the opportunity to upgrade the facility. The lakeside camping sites were upgraded from 30-amp to 50-amp. Sewer was also added to these sites. More than 450 trees were planted to replace those destroyed by the tornado.

As part of the re-opening, the nightly rates on all campsites have been lowered. The new rates are as follows: water, electricity and sewer – $19; water and electricity – $17; and primitive – $10. To coincide with the celebration, a “Two for Two” camping special is being offered. Campers who book May 17 and 18 in advance will receive May 19 and 20 for free. Call 256-571-5455 to book a campsite.

Lake Guntersville State Park offers more than 300 improved campsites with seven newly renovated bathhouses, primitive camping area, playground, recreation area, and a fully stocked country store. Each improved site has a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. For additional information on the campground or the park, visit www.alapark.com/lakeguntersville.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions:  Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.  To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

Logo courtesy Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources