I am e-mailing a complaint regarding a reservation cancellation. I back in February reserved a campsite for 3 nights at Devils lake state park. I visited the web site last night to check on parking pass costs for the 2008 year. While checking this the site stated CLOSED due to flooding giving an phone number to call to change or cancel reservations. When calling to cancel today I was told I would be charged a fee for canceling. While I understand it wasn’t Devils lake state parks fault for my vacation/camping trip being ruined how was it my fault that the camp ground is going to be a MESS not to mention unsanitary and infested with mosquitoes from standing water. I have camped at your camp ground once or twice a season for the past 5 or 6 years enjoying myself very much. However this experience has darkened my opinion

I spent all day yesterday with 15 other volunteers along numerous park staff and DNR employees from other parks working our tails off cleaning up debris from the flood at the park. There is still a great amount of work left before the park can reopen not to mention the flood waters still remaining in numerous areas. The communities around the park are also ravaged by flood damage and great personal losses. You will not get much sympathy from me about losing your refund. I have enjoyed Devils Lake for over 20 years and it is obvious that now is the time to be offering the park your assistance not demanding your refund.

One one hand you understand it wasn’t Devil’s Lake State Park’s fault and you turn around and state your opinion of this wonderful place is diminished because of the situation. When we make reservations we agree to the terms presented which include fees for cancellations, etc. I agree with Paul. We should be considerate and supportive of the people directly affected by this tragedy instead of worrying about something so trivial. I remember a Sunday morning in ‘93 being awakened and told we have to leave 2 nights into a 6 night stay because of a torrential rain storm that occured the night before. It never occured to us we were owed compensation in light of the impact on the folks who had to deal with it.

will the park be close this weekend? and when will it open again? thanks!

my family has visited devils lake almost every year for at least the past 20 years. We dont always camp, but we always make a point to hike, canoe, swim or picnic. Devils Lake has become a tradition for us.

We will be in town for the 4th of July weekend and had planned a day at the park.

If the park is closed, are there volunteer opportunities for families?

I disagree completely. He has every right to a refund. Paul W. said himself there is much work to be done, proving the original point. If Devil’s lake can’t hold up it’s part of the reservation and keep the park in a reasonable condition, no matter the case, then it should issue a full refund. Charity should be offered, not forced.