Memorial Day marks what many consider the unofficial start of the summer season.

And for hundreds of people in Western Wisconsin, that means braving the outdoors and enjoying the mild weather, by camping.

But in light of the DNR's concern about a possible insect infestation, campground managers and campers are working to make sure they do their part to prevent the emerald ash borer from making its way here.

Nearly all of the 81 camp sites at Lake Wissota State Park in Chippewa County are serving as the unofficial home to families like this one for the weekend.

"It's a great weekend to be out camping," said Roger Dahl, who's camping with his family from Chippewa Falls.

At sites here and at Harstad County park near Augusta, you can see the typical list of camping essentials: tents, small grills and plenty of food.

But the DNR is advising campers to forget the firewood, if you didn't get it nearby.

"The firewood we use is from a number of trees we cut down near our house in Chippewa Falls and stored over the years to use when we come camping and around our home firepit," Dahl said.

A new state rule bans burning firewood at public campgrounds, if it's from a tree more than 50 miles from the site.

That's because the DNR is worried the emerald ash borer could make its way here, and destroy ash trees like these.

The DNR is working with campground managers, like Lake Wissota County Park Manager Scott Erickson, to make sure campers do their part.

"When a camper comes into the office to register for a site, we're able to ask if they're bringing in firewood into the park, and the compliance rate has been really high," Erickson said. "We haven't confiscated any firewood to this point."

Erickson is notifying campers of the rule when they register, and posted signs around the park to serve as reminders.

"We were well-aware before we even showed up," said JohnPaul Ashton, who's camping with his girlfriend from St. Paul. "They notified us on the web site when we made reservations and notified us after we got here and by post card before we left."

At Eau Claire County's campgrounds, campers have the option to buy firewood.

But a few campers say it's been frustrating for them.

"It would've been much easier if we could of brung our own wood," said Johnny Kay, a camper from Eau Claire.

Others say they understand why the rule's in place.

"It wasn't a problem," Ashton said. "They said firewood would be readily available, and we bought some great wood. It saved us some room."