Flathead residents and visitors were crowding the shores of Whitefish Lake with campers and tents. Dozens of families drove to state parks like Whitefish State Park to get outdoors and relax over the long weekend.

Though some tell us it's a Memorial Day tradition for the skies to open up, others remain optimistic that the sun will poke through so they can have some fun.

Columbia Falls resident Doug Hunt was sitting outside his camper with his kids, and he asked them what they like to do while camping - "You like to roast marshmallows?"

"Mmhmm," they replied.

"Thats a really fun part of camping, huh? Do you guys like to fish?" he questioned.

"Yeah!"

"What else do you like to do?"

"Swimming."

"Oh, swimming. Its a little cold for that still," he replied.

His youngest had a different idea... "Find bugs!"

Doug laughed, "He likes to find bugs!"

The state lets you reserve a campsite starting Friday, May 25th through Labor Day. Reservations can be made 24 hours a day.