New York DEC campgrounds now open for business

Campgrounds operated by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks have been officially open for the summer camping season since May 16.

Unparalleled Places to

Enjoy Nature's Wonders

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 of more than 15 percent from last year. According to ReserveAmerica, approximately 39,000 camping reservations have been taken for DEC facilities for the upcoming 2008 camping season to date.

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 firstcome, first-served basis and range from $16-$22 a night.

Don't Bring Firewood

from Home An emergency firewood regulation went into effect recently to limit the spread of invasive insect species and protect forest health. This emergency rulemaking restricts the movement of untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source. For more information about this regulation see the frequently asked questions for firewood regulation web page. The eggs or larvae of invasives can be hidden on or under bark or buried deep within logs. If they are transported to new locations, the eggs may hatch, or the larvae may mature and emerge to attack host trees in and around the area. Therefore, people may use firewood only from sources close to the campground or park in which they set up.

For more information on firewood and invasive insect species, contact DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Private Land Services at 518-402- 9425 or visit DEC's Firewood and Invasive Insects web page.

More Information

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and their schedules, visit DEC's Camping web page, 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 the New York State Camping Reservations website.