The great outdoors, fireworks and warm weather could make this Fourth of July busy for travelers and law enforcement officials.

Kathy Hess, who works at Collins Lake in the Yuba County foothills, said reservations for the 200 campgrounds fill up at least one year in advance, especially on holiday weekends like the Fourth of July.

Hess said the majority of travelers will check in today and stay through Sunday.

Lynn Martin and her family were among those setting up camp at Collins Lake on Wednesday, ahead of a three-day weekend.

"We wanted to avoid the traffic," said the Suisun City resident.

Martin said she and her family plan on exploring the lake and fishing because it is their first time to the Yuba County recreation spot.

Martin's daughter, Jennifer, and boyfriend Devon Falls only came to help set up Martin's camp. The couple went back to the Bay Area for a weekend without their 2-year-old, Kaelyn, who stayed behind to camp with Martin.

"Me and bugs don't mix" Falls said while pounding the tent's stake into the ground. "Man evolved from camping. That's why we have houses."

Evelyn and Jan Valtr, however, where settled in for a two-week stay.

The Valtrs traveled five hours from Monterey to claim a spot close enough to the water for their grandchildren to play in.

"We come every year," Evelyn Valtr said. "I've been coming for 29 years. It's quiet and safe."

AAA of Northern California estimated the number of Californians hitting the road to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday will drop by 0.8 percent compared to last year.

Cynthia Harris, spokeswoman for AAA of Northern California, said in a statement that less disposable cash and an overall increase in travel expenses may have caused Californians to postpone or downsize their holiday getaways.

"But while Californians are being cautious about their spending, most are not giving up their vacation plans," Harris said.

Gas prices didn't stop the Martins or the Valtrs from traveling.

"We were going somewhere no matter what," Martin said. "But we try to stay within two-hour driving distance."

Wednesday, Yuba-Sutter gas prices were at $4.69 a gallon.

To ensure everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend, local law enforcement officials said they plan to increase patrols for illegal fireworks and possible drunken drivers.

"Those fireworks start fires and burn homes," said Sutter County sheriff's Capt. Dave Samson. "We will be increasing patrols for illegal fireworks, but they are not necessarily going to be in marked cars."

Samson said high gas prices could keep more people closer to home than other years.

Yuba County Sheriff's Department officials said they will increase patrols as well.

Collins Lake officials placed signs around the camp areas noting that fireworks are prohibited.

The forecast for the Fourth of July calls for heat and smoky skies, according to the National Weather Service.

The Yuba-Sutter area is expected to be sunny for the Fourth, but the Feather River Air Quality Management District said air quality will continue to deteriorate because of shifting winds.

Temperatures are expected to reach the upper-80s and low-90s on Friday and last through the weekend.

Air quality in Yuba City was measured at 89 Wednesday. Good air quality is lower than 50, according to the California Air Resources Board.

Both agencies suggest residents avoid voluntary outdoor activities. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions should also avoid exposure.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appealdemocrat.com