The long-anticipated May long-weekend is finally here and many are packing up their tents and trailers to travel to their favourite campground.

Elisabeth Ostrop is the Recreation and Education Services Manager with Manitoba Provincial Parks. As of the middle of the week, she said there were still quite a few campsites available for the long weekend, however that typically changes as we near Friday evening for those who like to drop in as a last-minute decision.

Ostrop advises to check out the Manitoba Parks website to see what is available before venturing out. "If you want a full-service site it might be a little bit more difficult to find one, and you might have to wait for late-breaking cancellations. This is pretty much province-wide. There's lots of availability but as soon as you get to the higher levels of service they're the sites that are quite high in demand and tend to go first."

There are no fire bans at the moment, however, conditions can be quite dry and campers are advised to take all precautions to be fire-safety aware. Ostrop reminds outdoor enthusiasts to use an approved campfire pit and never leave a campfire unattended. "Also, make sure you extinguish your campfire well before turning in for the night," she adds.

Manitoba's Provincial Parks do not have a liquor ban in place this weekend. Last year's pilot project went well and there were no incidents so they are expecting good behaviour from campers. "However," adds Ostrop, "it's important to remember that camping is a shared experience and we still expect campers to drink responsibly. Quiet hours are in effect between 11 pm and 9 am and 'rowdyism' is enforceable at any time."

Fines and/or eviction will be enforced for rowdy behaviour. "We would like people to enjoy our parks rather than getting into trouble."

Critters are always a part of the camping experience, but one doesn't want to wake up in the night with a furry-woodland creature sharing their tent! Ostrop says the important rule is to keep the campsite clean and clear of food and garbage.

"Don't leave any attractants around. So, don't leave your food in your tent. After your meals, pack things up and stow it away in the cars. You don't want the animals to be attracted to your site, so whether its a bear or a skunk or a raccoon they'll go for the easy thing that's accessible."

May long weekend can either be chilly and rainy, or warm or sunny, at any given hour during that 3-day span!

"At this time of year it's best to be prepared for everything," says Ostrop. "So, if you have an extra sweater or a toque or hat for the evenings when it gets cool, a rain jacket if it does rain, those are the kinds of things that will help you get through the weekend and stay comfortable. So, be prepared for any kind of weather."

New campground facilities that are back in service include the office at Spruce Woods Provincial Park and the office at Asessippi Provincial Park.

You can click here for more on Manitoba Provincial Parks.