More Campers, Longer Stays at New York Campgrounds

ALBANY, NY (05/13/2009)(readMedia)-- With summer fast approaching, more than 100,000 reservations have been booked at state campgrounds, and those who are coming plan to stay a little longer. Advance reservations at campgrounds operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) are up 5.2 percent and the number of nights reserved at the properties are up 7 percent over last year.

Officials also announced that the 2009 New York Camping Guide is now available online and in print. The guide has been redesigned with new information and eye-catching photographs to give vacationers a better look and feel for the campgrounds. (Details below)

Reservations Increasing

In total, DEC and OPRHP campgrounds booked 108,337 reservations as of mid-May, a 5.2 percent increase in reservations compared to the same point in 2008. The total number of nights booked is 496,175 - a 7 percent increase over 2008. Most state campgrounds open for the season in May.

"These reservation numbers indicate New York campgrounds have strong appeal to New York families and visitors in tough economic times," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation "Whether they're providing families with an inexpensive vacation option, helping parents connect their children to nature, or simply offering a comfortable cabin for a rustic getaway, New York's campgrounds offer wonderful opportunities for escape and exploration."

Redesigned Camping Guide

"More than ever, people want to connect with the outdoors and our new camping guide will help get them there," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "We've redesigned the guide in a user-friendly way that will help travelers research and plan summer getaways. They can find it all - from lush forests to waterfalls to beaches to miles and miles of hiking trails - in the new guide."

Filled with details about close-to-home campgrounds, the 2009 New York Camping guide features more than 100 photos, a comprehensive listing of all state sites, park descriptions, maps and information on fees, campground amenities and reservation instructions. There are also helpful hints on hiking and fireside dining.

The guide is on State Parks' web site at www.nysparks.com and the DEC web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/camping.html. To obtain a printed copy of the Camping Guide, visit a state campground, state park regional office, DEC regional office or New York State Thruway travel plaza. Camping guides also can be requested by e-mailing campinfo@gw.dec.state.ny.us or e-mailing your address to notes@oprhp.state.ny.us; or calling 518-457-2500 or 518-486-1868.

OPRHP operates 67 campgrounds with more than 8,000 campsites, 800 cabins and 41 vacation rentals in eleven regions throughout the state. DEC oversees 52 campgrounds with 6,252 campsites and 7 day-use areas in New York's Adirondack Park and Catskill Park.

The Camping Guide was paid for by ReserveAmerica, which provides online and phone reservations for state campsites throughout New York. Reservations are accepted for campsites and cabins by calling toll free 1-800-456-CAMP or online, www.ReserveAmerica.com.