Long-term campers started arriving at the Waitaki lakes camp sites at the weekend, as the Waitaki District Council (WDC) opened the 2008-09 season.
Lakes camping reserves on the north side operated by the WDC open next weekend.
Some campers who have camped on the same sites for years will be arriving today to ensure they get their favourite spots.
The council administers the camp reserves at Parson's Rock, Boat Harbour, Loch Laird and Wildlife reserve (Otematata), Sailor's Cutting, Falstone Creek and Ohau C (Benmore) and Lake Middleton and Round Bush (Ohau).
Basic facilities are provided for campers.
The Waimate sites are at Fishermen's Bend (Lake Waitaki), Waitangi reserve, Te Akatarawa, Briars Gully and other areas around Lake Aviemore.
Campers can buy season or overnight tickets for their camp sites.
The season closes on the first Sunday of May next year.
