State Parks Expect Bustling Memorial Day Weekend

ALBANY, NY (05/23/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State parks are off to a bustling season with advance campground reservations at record levels for the Memorial Day weekend. Campgrounds were already 84 percent booked heading into the weekend.

“We are thrilled that so many families are taking advantage of our incredible state park system for fun and relaxation this summer weekend,” said Carol Ash, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Whether they are providing families pinched by high gas-prices with a close-to-home vacation spot, helping parents connect their children to nature, or simply offering people a scenic spot for a traditional Memorial Day campout or picnic, New York State parks have something for everyone.”

This year’s advance bookings already equal the 84 percent weekend occupancy rate recorded following Memorial Day last year, when advance reservations, last-minute appointments and walk-up bookings were tallied. For the season, campground reservations are up about 15 percent from last year.

“With gasoline prices soaring, state parks are an attractive and inexpensive option for people who don’t want to drive far for fun,” Ash said. “Whether it’s camping, golfing hiking, picnicking or countless other outdoor activities, state parks have much to offer.”

OPRHP oversees 67 campgrounds with more than 8,000 campsites, 800 cabins and 41 vacation rentals. Camping reservations are available 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. 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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