GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. -- Eager campers faced a chilly delay as some campgrounds that usually open in May were still covered in snow.

Officials said several sites with lower elevations in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest would not open on the traditional Memorial Day weekend.

KGW File

This photo shows Mount Hood during a good snowpack year.

Campers should anticipate that some of the campgrounds at and above 2,000 feet will open at least two to three weeks later.

In the Mt. Hood National Forest, rangers said last month many roads and campgrounds would be delayed from the some 800 inches of snow that coated the mountain over the winter.

Forest managers said conditions have not been like this since the 1980s.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 foot-elevations still had anywhere from three to fourteen feet of snow. Some recreation areas may not open until early to mid-July, officials said.

People were urged to keep checking the forestry Web sites for updates.