It’s Labor Day weekend, and for many that means it’s the last chance this summer for a dip in the pool or a hot dog roast.

But officials say it’s also a time when crowds are big and traffic is bad, and that means everyone from park rangers to the Kansas Highway Patrol is gearing up for a busy weekend.

Perry Lake, where motorcyclists with American Bikers Aimed Towards Education are stopped for a big weekend bash, will be one of the busier locations, said Bunnie Watkins, natural resources management specialist for the lake.

Officials also plan two evening education programs  called “Something’s Fishy Here”  from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday at the lake.

Watkins said she expected crowds of between 30,000 and 40,000 for the weekend at Perry Lake.

All but the primitive camping sites had filled up by early Friday afternoon.

“It’s the last big campout for many people with kids back in school,” Watkins said.

Campers also started arriving earlier this week at Clinton Lake to nab the best sites, said Kenny Breithaupt, who lives nearby.

“It’s a fiasco out here, I can tell you that,” he said.

And though fiascoes can be fun, officials warn they also can be dangerous.

The water level is lower than normal at Perry Lake, Watkins said, which means people should be more cautious while boating or water skiing.

And as always on holiday weekends, traffic will be heavy. AAA Kansas estimated more than 100 million people traveled for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day this summer.

During last year’s Labor Day weekend, there were 543 accidents on Kansas roads, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Two people were killed and 278 injured. Though additional officers will be on duty across the state, the state patrol urged travelers to use extra caution.

“Please buckle up and watch your speed,” Patrol Supt. Col. Don Brownlee said. “These are two simple, effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Drivers shouldn’t have to worry about the weather. Temperatures for today, Sunday and Monday will peak around 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

Meteorologist Paul Frantz said there was some precipitation in the forecast, but he thought it would miss the Lawrence area.

 Staff writer Leita Walker can be reached at 832-7144.