Preparations for Memorial Day were under way Tuesday at Clinton Lake, as Chris and Robin Breit and their whippet, Ginny, were setting up their campsite as they do every year.

The water levels have subsided at area lakes just in time for the traditionally busy Memorial Day weekend.

“We’re going to be in pretty good shape,” said Dave Rhoades, park manager at Clinton Lake, which is just west of Lawrence.

Heavy rains earlier this month put the lake at its second highest level: 12.4 feet above normal. And just a few days ago, Clinton Lake was still about 8 feet higher than normal for this time of year, Rhoades said.

Only part of Bloomington Park swimming beach is expected to be open this weekend, but campgrounds and boat ramps will be ready.

Rhoades expects between 40,000 and 50,000 visitors this weekend if the weather cooperates.

6News meteorologist Jennifer Schack has rain in the forecast for this morning and during the weekend, but doesn’t expect significant totals.

Rhoades said additional rainfall shouldn’t put campers at risk this weekend.

“We could take some rain before the lake is going to start rising,” he said.

However, he and other park officials said boaters should watch for debris.

“A lot of the debris is out of the lake, but that’s not saying everything is out of there,” said Ken Wade, the operations project manager at Perry Lake, which is northwest of Lawrence. “Take a little bit of extra time, and be a little more cautious out on the water.”

Staff members were preparing the camping areas at Perry Lake, where 40,000 vehicles are expected to stop during the weekend.

Other hot spots include Lone Star Lake in southwestern Douglas County and Douglas County State Fishing Lake, which is north of Baldwin City.

By Wednesday morning, 19 of the 64 campsites at Lone Star Lake already were in use.

“It will be busy around here I’m sure. It usually always is – rain or shine,” said Charles Nichols, park superintendent.

Douglas State Fishing Lake, north of Baldwin City, will attract campers and hikers, but it is still closed to fishing – likely until Jan. 1, 2009. The lake was restocked after a renovation last fall, and it still needs a couple of growing seasons, said Richard Sanders, a district fisheries biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.