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Early summer discount at 31 campgrounds
Improvements complete at campgrounds across the state
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo welcomed vacationers, alongside warmer weather and the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, to explore the many campgrounds owned by New York state. To kick off the beginning of the season, there is a camping discount at 31 state parks valid from May 26 to June 25, available online or over the phone.
"New York has some of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the world, and with the unofficial start of the summer season, there is no better time to enjoy them," Cuomo said. "From the Thousand Islands to the Hudson Valley to Western New York, there is much to see, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to discover all this state has to offer."
The special offer includes $5 per night off regular rates from May 26 through June 25 for campers making reservations using the promo code EARLYCAMP15. Campers can choose from tranquil tent sites tucked amid the woods to boat-access-only waterfront locations and many scenic campgrounds conveniently located near day-use parks, trails, historic sites, golf courses and other family-friendly destinations offering adventure and relaxation.
To take advantage of the deal, bookings can be made online at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or over the phone at 800-456-CAMP. Camping reservations are available through ReserveAmerica, which provides online and phone reservations for state-operated campsites in New York. Cabins, cottages, yurts and previous reservations are excluded.
Rose Harvey, commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said, "Camping at a state park is an ideal and affordable way to experience the great outdoors with friends and family. Along with opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing and boating, there are good reasons for everyone to visit - and even stay overnight - at one of New York's exceptional state parks."
Campground Improvements
Several state park campgrounds offer new features and improvements this summer. Improvements are taking place across New York under Cuomo's "NY Parks 2020" program, a multiyear commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for state parks from 2011-20. The governor's 2015-16 executive budget allocates $110 million toward this initiative, including:
•New campgrounds: The new 50-site Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is now open in Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. The tent-only campground is managed by the American Alpine Club and Mohonk Preserve. Located near popular Shawangunk rock-climbing areas, it features 24 drive-in sites and 26 walk-in sites, as well as a pavilion and cooking area, bathhouse and restroom facilities, and circulation trails. For more information, visit: https://www.americanalpineclub.org/p/gunks-campground.
Construction on a 63-site tent/trailer campground is now underway at Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County. The new facility on the Hudson River is expected to open mid-summer.
•RV camping upgrades: A project to upgrade Wellesley Island State Park's popular RV camping loop is expected to be complete in June. The sites in the Jefferson County park have been enlarged to 40 feet, and 12 of the 53 full hook-up sites will have 50-amp service for the first time, while the rest of the sites have 30-amp service.
Campground improvements at Taughannock Falls State Park in Tompkins County brought 50-amp service to 12 sites.
•New cabin: State Parks constructed a new cabin on a bluff overlooking Lake Ontario in the Lakeview section of Fair Haven Beach State Park in Seneca County.
•New playgrounds: New playgrounds have been installed near the beach at Glimmerglass State Park in Otsego County and in the campground at Long Point State Park in Jefferson County.
•Waterfront improvements: New swimming beach bathhouses will open this summer at Grass Point State Park in Jefferson County, Fillmore Glen State Park in Cayuga County and Verona Beach State Park in Oneida County. At Point au Roche State Park in Clinton County, new boarding docks will greet boaters using the Deep Bay mooring sites at the popular Lake Champlain destination.
Information about any of the campgrounds, a digital version of the new 2015 New York state camping guide, links to virtual tours of select properties, and reservations can be found at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/.
Parks participating in the early summer camping special include:
Western New York
Finger Lakes
Central New York
Thousand Islands
Saratoga-Capital Region
Hudson Valley