State Parks Welcome Visitors for Holiday Weekend

ALBANY, NY (06/30/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Parks expect to be busy this Fourth of July weekend with 90 percent of campsites and cabins reserved for the holiday weekend, beaches and pools open throughout the state, and the nation's birth celebrated at the state's historic sites.

"With fabulous parks and historic sites across the state, New Yorkers have great options for spending the Fourth of July holiday," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "Camp, swim, play golf, learn about our nation's history, or simply find a scenic spot for a traditional Fourth of July picnic. There are endless possibilities for fun and adventure this weekend."

This weekend, nearly 90 percent of the state park system's campsites are booked for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Camping availability can be found at www.ReserveAmerica.com or 1-800-456-2267. Campsites can be reserved up to one day in advance of the arrival date. Other great ways to spend the Independence Day include:

• Swimming at Long Island's magnificent beaches, including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow and Orient Beach;

• A chance to become the millionth visitor to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie, New York's newest state park;

• Celebrating the 161st birthday of the nation's oldest historic site, Washington's Headquarters, in Newburgh, which opened on July 4th, 1850.

For more information on these and other events at parks and historic sites across the state, visit our Calendar of Events, http://nysparks.com/events/event-results.aspx?ft=24.

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, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.