Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
Governor Announces 13 State Campgrounds Among Top 100 in Nation
Governor George E. Pataki announced that 13 state-owned and operated campgrounds have received national recognition as favorite destinations throughout the U.S. The sites were placed on ReserveAmerica's third annual list of Top 100 Family Campgrounds and include campgrounds operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). ReserveAmerica, a reservation service that covers national, state and private recreational facilities throughout the country, compiles the Top 100 Family Campgrounds list to help campers plan trips and recommends America's greatest "hidden gem" locations. Last year, 10 state camping sites in New York received the special designation.
"We are proud that New York leads the nation in this ranking, underscoring the number and variety of exceptional camping properties available to families and outdoor enthusiasts," said Governor Pataki. "From the south shore of Long Island to the Adirondacks to the Great Lakes, state campgrounds welcome visitors throughout the seasons to experience the unique scenic resources and unparalleled recreational opportunities found in every region."
"In New York State, we've opened 19 new state parks in the last 10 years, and we've committed to opening or expanding 20 more in the next five years, providing additional recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. Together, State Parks and DEC offer a wide array of overnight destinations among our parks and campgrounds that help set the standard for excellence in service and activities for the enjoyment of everyone," the Governor added.
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "I am extremely proud to have five DEC campgrounds featured on this list, including four in the beautiful Adirondack Forest Preserve and one in the equally breathtaking Catskill Park. Thanks to the efforts of everyone at DEC and our sister agencies and with the unending support of Governor Pataki, we have been able to create and maintain some of the most beautiful and pristine campgrounds in the country. I invite the public to see New York's beautiful natural resources and enjoy a fun, family-friendly vacation at one of our world-renown campgrounds this spring and summer."
Top 13 Campgrounds in NYS
Located in the Adirondacks,
Cranberry Lake Campground
makes the top 13 campgrounds
in New York State
The 13 popular New York State campgrounds are as follows:
- Cranberry Lake Campground, Adirondacks
- Glimmerglass State Park, Leatherstocking
- Heckscher State Park, Long Island
- Lake Erie State Park, Western New York
- Lake Harris Campground, Adirondacks
- Lake Taghkanic State Park, Hudson Valley
- Lakeside Beach State Park, Genesee
- Lewey Lake, Adirondacks
- Long Point State Park, Thousand Islands
- Meacham Lake-Paul Smith, Adirondacks
- Moreau Lake State Park, Capital District
- North South Lake Campground, Catskills
- Watkins Glen State Park, Finger Lakes
ReserveAmerica's Top 100 list was developed by park rangers, regional park management and campers who wrote testimonials, rated campgrounds and provided feedback throughout the year. Nearly 3,000 parks were reviewed, and the final 100 campgrounds were chosen based on specific family-friendly criteria, ranging from educational programs and visitor centers to camping amenities and overall beauty and scenery.
NYS Campgrounds with Special Features
In addition, the Top 100 list includes new categories highlighting special features at an assortment of New York's parkland and recreational facilities. Some of the sites noted are as follows:
- Allegany State Park, Red House Area (Allegany) - Biking Trails
- Chittenango Falls State Park (Central New York) - Scenic Views
- Fair Haven Beach State Park (on Lake Ontario)- Park Beaches
- Golden Hill State Park (on Lake Ontario) - Unique Cabins
- Hamlin Beach State Park (on Lake Ontario) - Bird Watching
- Harriman State Park (Hudson Valley) - Hiking Trails
- Letchworth State Park (Genesee) - Romantic Spots
- Moreau Lake State Park - Picnic Areas
- Selkirk Shore State Park - Fishing
- Verona Beach State Park (Central New York) - Kid Friendly
- Watkins Glen State Park - Amazing Location
- Wellesley Island State Park (Thousand Islands) - Educational/Historical Facilities
ReserveAmerica
ReserveAmerica operates the state's camping reservation system, which provides online and phone reservations for campsites throughout New York operated by OPRHP and DEC. State campsites and cabins accommodate more than 900,000 people each year.
While the most popular time to camp is summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, many state campgrounds are available in the spring, fall and winter. Reservations are accepted for campsites and cabins from two days to nine months prior to the planned arrival date. Call 1-800-456-CAMP toll free, or use the link below for ReserveAmerica.
