Give the Gift of Green: Camping, Golf Gift Cards and Empire Passport Available at State Parks

ALBANY, NY (12/11/2009)(readMedia)-- Give the gift of New York's best green spaces with a New York State Parks camping or golf gift card, or an Empire Passport, which provides annual unlimited State Park vehicle access. Both the gift cards and the Passport offer easy and affordable ideas for outdoor enthusiasts and golfers.

"Whether the person on your list enjoys sleeping under the stars, splashing on the beach or hitting the links, State Parks has the perfect gift available," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "The camping gift card can be used for campsites, cabins or cottages at nearly 70 beautiful State Park campgrounds, while the golf gift card can be redeemed at one of 18 golf courses operated by State Parks. The Empire Passport allows you to visit as many times or places as you like, with as many passengers as your car will hold, for one low price."

Gift cards can be purchased for any dollar amount and have no expiration date. Order before December 18th to ensure holiday delivery. To order the gift cards or the $65 annual Empire Passport, call 518.486.1868, Monday-Friday, from 9 am-5pm, or purchase one at a local state park or regional office.

The Empire Passport offers unlimited vehicle access to New York State Parks for all four seasons. Valid through March 31, 2011, the Passport Empire Passport holders avoid the daily $5-$8 vehicle entry fee to upwards of 200 state-operated parks, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves, as well as 55 forest preserve sites operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The Passport can also be ordered on-line at www.nysparks.com.

For more information, including conditions and locations where the gift cards and passport can be used, visit www.nysparks.com.