New York State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation Announce Camping Photo Contest Winners

ALBANY, NY (12/28/2011)(readMedia)-- The state's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the winners of the 2011 Camping Photo Contest showcasing top images of New York's scenic outdoors. One grand prize winner and four finalists were selected from a process that drew more than 1,200 photos submitted among six categories.

The grand prize winner, Rolf Warncke of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, won a free week-long stay at any state campground for his photo of a canoe at Rollins Pond. Weekend stays were also awarded to four runners-up: Laura Sullivan of Fort Drum for her photo of her son with his catch in the Adirondacks, Chris Podosek of Buffalo for his night-time image of a tent at Treman State Park, Melissa Benham of East Rochester for her photo of stone steps at Letchworth State Park and Amy Trudeau of Malone, for her photo of Meacham Lake at sunrise.

The winning photos are posted in State Parks' online photo gallery.

Finalists were determined by a process including top vote getters through social media and a selection committee. The contest ran October 15 through November 30 and categories included camping set-up, water sports, campfire, sunrise/sunset, seasons and nature.

"We are delighted with the wide-ranging and captivating images many visitors shared of their outdoor adventures in our parks," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "From quiet moments of reflection at sunrise to incredible shots of wildlife and beautiful landscapes to families and friends gathered around the fire, these photos serve as a window to the special times spent by visitors of all ages at our campgrounds."

In addition to the finalists, many of the other images will be used in statewide publications, on the web, and highlighted through promotional campaigns. Contest entrants can improve the likelihood their photos will be used by returning to the Liveshare site to make sure the park where it was taken is identified.

Further information regarding contest rules, eligibility and the prizes is available at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/marketing/photo-contest/index.html.

OPRHP operates 178 state parks including 65 campgrounds with 8,400 campsites, 750 cabins and 50 vacation rentals across 11 park regions. DEC operates 52 campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill regions of the state.

Camping reservations are available through ReserveAmerica, which provides online and phone reservations for 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, http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.