By JIMMY LAWTON

LISBON – Lisbon Beach and Campground is open for the season, with more campsites than ever before.

Director Michael O’Neil said the opening weekend, timed with the opening of walleye season, attracted more than double the amount of campers he saw last year.

“We had boats lined up at the launch,” he said.

O’Neil credited efforts of the St. Lawrence River Walleye Association, for stocking the river.

“Those guys deserve a lot of credit,” he said.

O’Neil said an expansion project, last year, raised the number of sites to 91 and electrical upgrades were installed on several of the existing sites.

The expansion was paid for using money from the sales of property returned by the New York Power Authority at the last relicensing agreement. That money could only be used for community improvement projects.

He said the additional sites will allow the town to turn larger profits as demand for the campground continues to rise.

He said the number of seasonal campers is continuing to rise and he is expecting a boost in business this year for the Bassmaster Elite Series in August.

“We had a lot of people come by when they were scouting it and I think we are going to have a lot of campers for that,” he said.

O’Neil said Mike Light, of “Mike’s Michigan’s” will be selling hot dogs out of his concession stand this summer and he also expects more appearances from Seaway Valley Jumpers, which provides bounce houses and other inflatable devices for children.

“That was very well received last year,” O’Neil said.

O’Neil said several organizations will hold company parties at the pavilion this year, but some weekends are still available for rent. He said slips are also available for boaters interested in docking their vessels.

The beach, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. as weather permits, will continue to offer swimming lessons.

While many improvements have been made over the past several years, O’Neil said he is hoping to add more services. He said he would like to see internet access at the campground and additional slips.

He said the more the beach and campground offers, the more it stands to gain.

The beach is open from May 1 until about Oct. 15.

To reserve a site or find out more about the campgrounds offerings visit http://www.lisbonny.net/camp.htm