Memorial Day 2017: NY Camping Season Starts, Special Package for Newbies

Camping season in New York starts for 2017 on Memorial Day weekend. The state's 119 campgrounds open Friday for the summer season. And if you're new to camping, the state has a package that will make it easy to get started and enjoy.

New York State boasts 119 public campgrounds found throughout the Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes and Thousand Islands regions.

DEC’s campground day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves are currently 98 percent filled for the holiday weekend and expected to be completely filled in the coming days.

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 York State will provide free First-Time Camper weekends throughout the summer in 2017. Families that have never camped before will have the opportunity to see if they enjoy sleeping under the stars before investing in their own gear by registering for a fully stocked campsite at select state campgrounds one weekend from July 7 through Aug. 25.

First-Time Camper campgrounds are available throughout the state to give all New Yorkers an opportunity to participate:

1. 7/7-7/9 – North South Lake (Catskills)
2. 7/14-7/16 – Wellesley Island State Park
3. 7/21-7/23 – Paradox Lake (Adirondacks)
4. 7/28-7/30 – Schodack Island State Park
5. 8/4-8/6 – Kenneth L Wilson (Catskills)
6. 8/11-8/13 – Green Lakes State Park
7. 8/18-8/20 – Hearthstone Point (Adirondacks)
8. 8/25-8/27 – Hamlin Beach State Park

Reservations are required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 518-474-6718. For more information, visit DEC’s website.

“Camping is a rewarding experience that is one of the best ways for families to connect to nature and spend time with each other in the great outdoors and it’s very affordable” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “I encourage anyone that hasn’t had a camping adventure in any of New York’s many beautiful natural areas, to take advantage of this great new First-Time Camper program and give it a try.”

New campers will be provided with a family tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, lantern, and even firewood. A Camping Ambassador will meet families at the campsite and help them get camp set up with a camping 101 lesson. Bathrooms and hot showers are a short walk from the campsites. To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have an opportunity to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle and more, all while having fun and making memories that last forever.

Each year millions of people visit DEC facilities to enjoy the spectacular landscapes, lush forests, and 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. In the 2016 camping season, DEC Campgrounds saw just over one and one half million visitors.

"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."

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 Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020, a multi-year 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.
• 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 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 underway. 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.