Busy Camping Season Continues Into Labor Day Weekend

ALBANY, NY (08/28/2008)(readMedia)-- One of New York State Parks' most successful camping seasons on record is expected to continue into Labor Day weekend, with 7,700 campsites, cabins and cottages booked for the three-day holiday - and still some room left for last-minute campers.

"It's not too late to discover what many New Yorkers have already found this summer: Camping at a state park is a fun, inexpensive way to getaway," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "We're looking forward to hosting even more fun outings this Labor Day weekend, when campers can squeeze in another summer trip to New York's great state parks. If you're looking for a fun escape this holiday, I recommend visiting one of the many scenic state parks right here in our own backyard."

Ash noted that despite high gasoline prices and wet weather, advance campground reservations are up over 4 percent from this point in the season last year - when a record number of reservations were recorded. Campgrounds are 82 percent booked heading into the three-day holiday, but hundreds of spots are still available.

Camping availability can be found through ReserveAmerica, which provides online and phone reservations for state campsites throughout New York. Reservations are accepted for campsites and cabins, from one day to nine months in advance of the planned arrival date by calling toll free 1-800-456-CAMP or online, www.ReserveAmerica.com.

OPRHP oversees 67 campgrounds with more than 8,000 campsites, 800 cabins and 41 vacation rentals. Visitors will find the revitalization of the state park system underway at many facilities. The state budget advances a $132 million capital improvement spending plan for state parks - the single largest capital infusion in the history of the state park system. After more than a decade of underinvestment, the revitalization initiative is beginning to address the extensive capital needs of parks system - needs that have been estimated at approximately $700 million.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.

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