New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the beginning of camping season in New York this Memorial Day weekend, according to an announcement from the state.
The governor encouraged New Yorkers and visitors to visit parks, trails and beaches throughout the Empire State this summer, including New York’s 119 campgrounds that open today (May 26) for the summer season.
“New York campgrounds are central to our booming tourism industry, and as the number of visitors to the Empire State continues to grow, we remain committed to improving outdoor destinations and world-class attractions in every region of the state,” Cuomo said. “I encourage everyone to visit a state park this summer and experience for themselves the natural beauty and adventure New York has to offer.”
New York boasts 119 public campgrounds found throughout the Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes and Thousand Islands regions. Although campgrounds are quickly filling for Memorial Day weekend, reservations can still be made at Newtown, Cherry Plain Wildwood, Lake Taghkanic, Mills Norrie, Robert Moses, and Jacques Cartier state parks.
Camping availability can be found 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 at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
New Campground Improvements for 2017
- Six new vacation cabins: Located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Moreau Lake State Park has nearly 150 campsites that accommodate tents and trailers throughout the camping season, in addition to the new cabins available for public rental year-round. Each cabin features queen beds, bunkbeds, a woodstove, small refrigerator, and a covered porch. Three cabins sleep four people, and three sleep six. This $700,000 project was funded by NY Parks 2020, a multiyear commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding to revitalize state parks.
- Two new yurts: Located on Lake Erie, the new yurts are available to campers at Evangola State Park. The wood-lattice-framed structures have a heavy-duty fabric exterior, windows, and wood floors. They include cots as well as a refrigerator and microwave.
- ADA-accessible shower unit: Construction of a new ADA accessible, eight-unit shower building has been completed at DEC’s Lake Durant Campground in Blue Mountain Lake.
- Paving project: Paving of the main road is now complete at Meacham Lake Campground in Essex County, in addition to the new boat launch constructed in 2016.
- Updated restrooms and recreation areas: Numerous restrooms and comfort stations have been rehabilitated at many of our facilities. New playgrounds have been installed at three different campgrounds. The electrical system at Cranberry Lake Campground in St. Lawrence County has been rehabbed and upgraded.
- New wastewater systems: A complete reconstruction of the wastewater system at Caroga Lake Campground in Gloversville is currently under way. A new water reservoir is being constructed at Moffitt Beach Campground in Lake Pleasant, and the wastewater pumping system is being reconstructed at the day-use area of Northampton Beach Campground in Mayfield.
“State park camping is an ideal way to explore the great outdoors with friends and family,” said Commissioner of New York State Office of Parks Rose Harvey. “From tent sites nestled in the woods to charming cottages, state parks offer comfortable accommodations for everyone. Make a reservation at one of our beautiful campgrounds, or simply plan a day trip to do something you love at a nearby state park.”
Department of Environmental Conservation’s campground day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves are currently 98% filled for the holiday weekend and expected to be completely filled in the coming days.
