State Parks Anticipate Busy Holiday

New York State parks expect to be busy this Fourth of July weekend with over 90 percent of campsites and cabins reserved for the holiday.

"Whether they are seeking a nearby vacation spot to avoid high gas prices, trying to connect their children to nature, or simply looking for a scenic spot for a traditional Fourth of July gathering, we are happy so many people are choosing state parks for their holiday outings," said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Advance camping reservations for this weekend already surpass last year's final holiday week occupancy rate, which peaked at 83 percent on the Friday after Independence Day. This year, over 92 percent of campsites are booked for Friday, July 4 and over 90 percent booked for Saturday, July 5. For the 2008 season, campground reservations are up about 8 percent compared to last year.

"With 178 state parks and 35 state historic sites across the state, New Yorkers don't have to drive far to find to an adventure," Ash said. "Whether it's camping, swimming, golfing, hiking, picnicking or countless other outdoor activities, state parks are inexpensive, close-to-home places to get away."

At the direction of Governor Paterson, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets, is working closely with the "I Love NY" campaign to encourage and make it easier for people to build their vacations around the abundance of natural beauty and resources in New York State.

Residents are encouraged to visit the "I Love NY" website - www.iloveny.com/summer/ - where they can find special travel packages and a page with links to information on wine trails, harvest festivals, public transportation connections, specials at state parks, and information on wilderness trails and camping experiences.

Ash noted that nearly three-quarters of the weekend's reservations come from campers within an hour's drive of their campground, according to a sample of reservation data from Saratoga-Capital Region parks.

In addition to camping, numerous events are being held at state parks and historic sites to celebrate Independence Day, including the Jones Beach fireworks display, which attracts 250,000 visitors to the Long Island park.

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 also find the revitalization of New York State parks and historic sites getting underway in the coming months. 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 will address the extensive capital needs of parks system - needs that have been estimated at approximately $650 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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