Environment DEC
From the June 2010 issue
DEC Announces Opening of Campgrounds in Adirondacks and Catskills
Campgrounds are open through Labor Day, with some remaining open through the fall foliage season
DEC recently announced the opening of dozens of state-operated campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks for the summer camping season. Campground reservations have increased three percent from last year at this time, and more than 41,000 camping reservations have been taken for DEC facilities for the 2010 camping season.
"DEC campgrounds offer exceptional opportunities to enjoy some of the most beautiful natural areas in New York," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "In addition to hiking and fishing, DEC's facilities offer a wide range of outdoor recreation and camping opportunities that the whole family can enjoy."
For the 2010 season, DEC will operate 45 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill parks. The camping season generally runs through Labor Day, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and range from $18-$25 a night.
Caroga Lake's Season Saved
Originally slated to be closed due to budgetary constraints, Caroga Lake campground in Fulton County will now be open this season and has been accepting reservations since before Memorial Day. Seizing an opportunity to partner with the state, the Town of Caroga recently committed funds that would eliminate the campground's operating deficit and allow it to open for 2010.
The Town of Caroga came to the rescue of the Caroga Lake campground, providing funding to keep it open for the season
We truly appreciate the Town of Caroga stepping up to help support the operation of the Caroga Lake campground," Commissioner Grannis said. "With this partnership between the town and DEC, the campground will open and operate through Labor Day weekend, providing a boost to the local economy and offering the public affordable quality outdoor recreational opportunities."
In March, DEC announced that seven campgrounds and two day use areas would not open in 2010, including Caroga Lake. The sites were chosen by occupancy rates, operating losses and the availability of other nearby facilities. Caroga Lake had the largest deficit of all DEC campgrounds.
DEC had been meeting with Caroga town officials and other interested stakeholders to discuss the impact the closure of the campground would have on the local economy. In May, the town committed enough funding to address the campground's revenue shortfalls (about $36,000) and DEC agreed to reopen Caroga Lake for the season.
Until June 25, the campground will operate from Thursdays through Sundays only. From June 25 until closing on September 6, it will be open all week.
DEC transferred staff needed to cover the operations and opened the facility in time for this past Memorial Day weekend. Hiring of additional seasonal workers, such as lifeguards and maintenance staff, will begin when the campground is open seven days a week.
DEC worked closely with ReserveAmerica, the state's camping reservation service, to contact visitors whose reservations were previously cancelled. They were offered their original reservations and the campsite inventory was opened to them before it was made available to the general public. DEC covered the cost of reservation fees to lessen the impact on those that were affected.
For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and their schedules, visit the agency's Camping web page or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any camping facility, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the New York State Camping Reservations page of ReserveAmerica's website (see Related Links below).
Firewood Alert
DEC advises people not to transport firewood to campgrounds or parks in order to limit the spread of invasive insect species and protect forest health. Campers are urged to leave firewood at home and use only firewood from local sources. If firewood has been transported, burn all of the transported wood before leaving the campsite. For more information on firewood and invasive insect species, see DEC's Firewood and Invasive Insects web page or contact DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, Bureau of Private Lands at 518-402-9425.
Related Links:
New York State Camping Reservations (leaving DEC's site)
