New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that effective Friday, May 16, 2008, all DEC-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are officially open for the summer camping season. "DEC campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural resources in New York State," said Commissioner Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC campground facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreational and camping opportunities and activities which the whole family can enjoy."
(PressZoom) - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ( DEC ) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that effective Friday, May 16, 2008, all DEC-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are officially open for the summer camping season.
"DEC campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural resources in New York State," said Commissioner Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC campground facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreational and camping opportunities and activities which the whole family can enjoy."
Each year millions of people visit DEC facilities to enjoy the spectacular landscapes, lush forests and variety of fish and wildlife species that reside in the constitutionally protected "forever wild" campgrounds. Campers can also enjoy the many events, historical sites, and restaurants of nearby towns and villages.
This year, DEC campsite reservations have soared, with an increase more than 15% in reservations from last year's sales. According to ReserveAmerica, to date approximately 39,000 camping reservations have been taken for DEC facilities for the upcoming 2008 camping season.
DEC operates 52 campgrounds and seven day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The summer camping season runs through Labor Day, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and range from $16-$22 a night.
For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and their schedules, visit DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/ and go to the Camping link under the Outdoors Recreation section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP ( 2267 ) or visit newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ .
DEC advises people not to transport firewood to campgrounds or parks in order to limit the spread of invasive insect species and improve forest health. People may not be aware they are moving the eggs or larvae of these pests, which may be hidden on or under the bark or buried deep within the logs. Once transported to new locations, eggs may hatch, or larvae may mature and emerge to attack host trees in and around the area. Campers are urged to leave firewood at home and use only firewood from local sources. If firewood has been transported, burn all of the transported wood before leaving the campsite. For more information on firewood and invasive insect species, contact DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Private Lands at 518-402-9425 or visit DEC's website http://www.dec.ny.gov/ and go to the link for Firewood and Invasive Insects under the Hot Topics section in the right-hand column on the home page.
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