Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

March 13, 2009

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Eileen Larrabee
Dan Keefe
518.486.1868

New York State Parks 2009 Reservations

Camping remains inexpensive vacation option

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced that advance camping reservations are currently up 6 percent, noting that State Parks are booking record numbers of vacations.

"In this struggling economy, state parks are an attractive option for people looking to get away without having to spend a lot," Ash said. "As people turn to affordable and close-to-home places to get away during these tough times, New York has a high-quality, fun and inviting state park system they can turn to."

Ash noted that already there are 45,300 advance reservations for campsite, cabins and cottages for the 2009 season, a level that is more than 2,650 ahead of the total at same time last year. Advance reservations at state parks campgrounds have been steadily increasing in recent years, with a record 137,000 bookings in 2008.

"If the long winter or tough economy has you down, it may be time to start thinking about a summer getaway," Ash said. "New York state parks offer visitors unique and exciting destinations at reasonable prices right in their own backyards, including waterfront camping on the shores of the Atlantic or the state's spectacular lakes and rivers, and beautiful sites nestled in scenic places throughout the state."

OPRHP oversees 67 campgrounds with more than 8,000 campsites, 800 cabins and 41 vacation rentals. 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.nysparks.com.