Lake Keystone - This year's economy is keeping some people closer to home. One example can be found at Lake Keystone this weekend. That lake, which is just minutes from Tulsa, is busier than normal this holiday weekend. With great weather and normal lake levels this lake is expected to be very busy.

All the campgrounds and boat ramps are open, but there is still plenty of room here for more campers and visitors. Families come from across the state to enjoy this holiday weekend at the lake. Visitors from Enid, Pawnee, and Chickasaw moved to Keystone after spending several years at another lake.

"It's smaller, more friendly. We have a house boat, and there's more houseboats here," said Shannon Balenti. She says it is just more down home here, and the sluggish economy is part of the reason they moved here.

"Yea, that was some of it too. Where we were having the boat, they were increasing the rates, so it was a little bit of both. I think some economy and some of more down home here," said Balenti.

At Pier 51 Marina they are busier than expected. "The weather actually kept us busy. It's been really good to us. A lot of people want to come out and have fun on the water," said Pier 51 employee, Corey McFerron.

And to make sure that the fun is safe, the OHP Lake Patrol will be out in full force watching out for people who aren't being careful.

"We're going to be looking for boats that are over loaded. A lot of times we will find people that take extras out to see the fireworks and it's usually short on live jackets," said Lake Patrol Trooper Tony Richardson.

Trooper Richardson said they will also keep a watchful eye out for people who are boating while drinking. And remember, those 12 to 16-years-old who want to operate boats or water crafts must have a boat education card.

 Email To Friend