RISING TIDE: Dubbo’s Philip Monaghan chills out by wetting a line at Lake Keepit. Photo: Robert Chappel 280912RCB08
A WET start to the long weekend didn't deter local residents from enjoying the outdoors, taking to the region's dams in the thousands during the past few days.
While just 22 carloads of people were willing to brave the blustery conditions at Lake Keepit State Park on Saturday, more than 100 vehicles passed through its gates yesterday, as people made the most of the sunny skies.
Park employee Nathan Taylor said powered campsites and cabins had been booked out for the weekend, in what was a busier long weekend than last year's.
Mr Taylor said this could be put down to more water in the dam, and a water playground for the kids.
He said the last day of the long weekend was expected to be even busier.
At Copeton Dam, people have been more than making up for Saturday's miserable weather, with hundreds visiting yesterday.
"It's been crazy ... we've had a fantastic weekend," Copeton Waters State Park manager David Allan said.
All 80 powered sites are filled, the cabins have been booked out for months and about 250 of the bush camping sites were taken as of yesterday.
Mr Allan said bookings had been stronger this year than they had been for the past five years.
He said the capacity of Copeton Dam which was at 98 per cent yesterday had increased its appeal, as had the upgraded facilities, which includes a splash park, jumping pillow and an adventure playground for the kids.
Mr Allan said he'd also heard reports the fish had been biting this weekend news that was likely to attract even more lovers of the outdoors.