Despite major flooding this summer, all state parks will be open for an expectedly busy Labor Day weekend, park officials said.

State parks sustained about $5 million in flood damage this summer, including a 250-foot-long hiking bridge that washed out on the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail near Garnett.

Visitors to the 25 parks should expect to find muddy water and flood debris this weekend at camping sites expected to be packed.

“It should be a fantastic weekend to camp,” said Jerry Hover, state parks director.

The park system wouldn’t have been ready for visitors this weekend without nearly two months of cleanup after storms and heavy rain sent water levels soaring Memorial Day weekend through mid-July, park managers said.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has sought help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood-related repairs, but many areas don’t qualify, Hover said.

Some areas, such as Elk City State Park, were almost entirely submerged. In June, that park’s reservoir rose to 32 feet above normal. Elk City has been closed since then but will be open for Labor Day weekend. Officials say visitors will see little evidence of flooding.

Managers at other popular camping sites reported some damage, including erosion on some roads. Lake water may appear muddy but should be safe from bacteria or runoff, they said. Some areas that still need repairs will be barricaded.

Cross Timbers State Park officials said visitors will find the park in fair shape. It is still being fixed from floodwaters that rose about 30.5 feet.

El Dorado State Park has reopened five campgrounds, but some shoreline erosion has been reported.

Facilities at Fall River Reservoir are open. All the park’s reserved campgrounds are booked, but park officials expect to have space for campers on a first-come, first-served basis.