WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- Budget cuts and reduced staffing have forced a change in operating hours at Louisiana state parks.

The Office of State Parks says entrance station hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday - and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Gates will continue to open at 6 a.m. at sites with boat launches and 7 a.m. at sites without boat launches. Late-arriving guests are advised to contact the park prior to their visit to make check-in arrangements.

On a case-by-case basis, park managers also may be able to accommodate early arrivals and late departures.

Operating hours for historic sites will remain 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Those sites are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.