MADISON, Wis. (AP) — New figures show a record number of campers visited Wisconsin state parks this year. More than 159,000 campsites were used according to registrations by the state Department of Natural Resources through the first weekend of October. DNR section chief Chris Pedretti says that includes more than 388,000 nights of camping in state parks. The numbers beat previous records set in 2012. The numbers don’t include the Columbus Day weekend when campers are enjoying the fall colors. The numbers for registration and nights stayed include about 5,000 campsites in 54 state parks and southern forests. Experts say good weather and a weak economy fueled the rise in campers this year.
