Environment DEC
From the June 2007 issue
DEC Campgrounds Open for the Season
Serene settings like this bring campers back to DEC campgrounds
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks are officially open for the summer camping season.
Families Welcome
"DEC campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural resources in New York State," said Commissioner Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities and activities that the whole family can enjoy."
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 also enjoy many events, historical sites, and restaurants in nearby towns and villages.
DEC operates 52 campgrounds and seven day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves. Summer camping season runs through Labor Day, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting seasons. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and range from $12-$18 a night.
For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and their schedules, see the Camping web page on DEC's website, or call the Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call Reserve America at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit Reserve America on the web (see "Related Off-site Links" below).
Stop Invasive Insects: Use Only Local Firewood
DEC advises people not to transport firewood to campgrounds or parks in an effort to limit the spread of invasive insect species and improve forest health. People may not be aware that they are moving the eggs or larvae of these pests, which may be hidden on or under the bark, or buried deep within logs. Once transported to new locations, eggs may hatch, or larvae may mature and emerge to attack host trees in and around the area.
Campers are urged to leave firewood at home and use only firewood from local sources. If you bring firewood with you, burn all of it before leaving the campsite.
For more information on firewood and invasive insect species, contact DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Private Lands at 518-402-9425 or go to the Firewood and Invasive Insects web page on DEC's website.
