WATERLOO - George Wyth officials are writing off the rest of the 2008 camping season as state park officials continue to repair facilities damaged by June flooding.

The park is open to boaters, bicyclists, hikers and picnickers.

Park officials earlier said they hoped to open the campground in late August for a few weeks of fall camping, but a reassessment of the situation was less optimistic.

"In all likelihood, we will not be open for camping this year," said Lori Eberhard, park manager.

The rest room building at the campground still needs to have electrical and other work completed. But contractors are booked with other flood-related jobs, and officials doesn't know when crews will begin their work at the park.

"We'd like to be open, but there are also people who need these contractors to be working on their houses. To put it in perspective, that's more important to get people back into their houses than for us to have a campground this year," Eberhard said.

The swimming area at George Wyth State Park also remains closed indefinitely.

The concession building at the swimming area took the brunt of damage from the floods.

The area around it has been fenced off because of unstable sidewalks and possible hazards under the sand.

"It's for safety. We don't want people trying to get into places where they could endanger themselves and others," Eberhard said.

She said swimming may be closed for a portion of next year, too.

The beach sand has also been rearranged by flood water.

George Wyth, which abuts the Cedar River and was one of the hardest-hit state parks during the floods, reopened in late July after cleanup efforts with the help of staff and volunteers.

"They stepped up to the plate and got things cleaned up," Eberhard said.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.