Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and that means it’s the official start of swimming season at many Pennsylvania State Parks.

Across the region, park managers say beaches are being readied for a Saturday opening.

At Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville, workers recently spread soft sand on the partially-shaded beach.

“We did a sand replenishment at Beltzville as well. We added about 650 tons of sand to the beach this year,” said Benjamin Monk, manager of Beltzville State Park.

The park on Pohopoco Drive has always been a popular swimming spot, and picnicking picks up during the warmer months.

Monk expects it will remain that way.

“We are anticipating large crowds again this year,” he said. “Weather will always be a major factor in the size of our weekend crowds.”

To address weekend crowds, Monk said the park will have additional ranger staff on hand – just as it has done in previous years.

The day-use area, which provides access to the 525-foot beach, bathhouses and concession stand, can fit 903 vehicles.

It often reaches that limit by late morning when weather is nice. When it happens, park staff turn visitors away.

“We have electronic signs on Pohopoco Drive and the Pennsylvania Turnpike to make visitors aware of when we reach capacity,” Monk said. “We will also post on social media when we reach capacity for the day.”

Rob Sweeney, manager of Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks, said both beaches have been readied for swimming.

In the coming days and as per protocol, water samples will be collected and sent for testing.

“We are not expecting any issues,” said Sweeney, who began managing the parks earlier this year.

Tuscarora’s lake closed earlier than expected last season after harmful algae was detected on Aug. 19. The matter has since been corrected.

Sweeney, who has worked at other state parks, said holiday weekends are generally busy.

“The weather has a lot to do with it,” he said.

The National Weather Service is predicting Saturday’s high temperatures at just over 70 degrees. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms on Sunday.

The lake at Hickory Run State park near White Haven will also open on Saturday.

There are no lifeguards at the parks and visitors are advised to swim at their own risk.