2021 Had Record Number Of Stays At New York State Campgrounds According To Governor Hochul

It seems that New York State Campgrounds became the healthiest and most affordable recreational activity for New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The campgrounds run by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (StateParks) saw a record number of overnight reservations in 2021. This announcement came from Governor Hocul. 

The State Parks overnight stays were up 15% in 2021 from the previous 2019 record. The DEC recorded overnight stays in campsites, cabins, cottages and yurts up by 10% from the previous record in 2016, recording nearly 1.2 million nights.

Columbus Day weekend recorded State Parks campgrounds were occupied 787,103 nights surpassing the previous 2019 record (up from 684,820) by 15%. The absolute DEC numbers in 2021 went up to 394,401 nights from the record 354,521 nights in 2016.

"The numbers don't lie - people have shown how much they appreciate all that our State campgrounds have to offer, especially as the pandemic made outdoor recreation more desirable than ever," Governor Hochul was quoted to have said. Hochul also mentioned that her administration will focus on making parks better since it continues to prove important for the tourism economy. 

Over the last decade, as improvements were being made statewide under the NY Parks 2020 capital program, total overnight stays at State Parks campgrounds have risen nearly 45%. State Parks operates 68 State Parks campgrounds, featuring 8,179 campsites, 825 cabins, 18 yurts, and 136 full-service cottages with amenities like power, kitchen, bath, beds, living room, and outdoor living space.

State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "It is gratifying that the public has again given State Parks a vote of confidence. Providing places for safe and healthy recreation has been critical as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, and people obviously enjoy the many improvements made under the NY Parks 2020 initiative. People have many choices today on how to spend their recreational time, and we are grateful that so many are choosing to spend it at our Parks. We intend to keep this progress going."

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves that provide a wide variety of experiences, including island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches and day use areas with picnic tables and grills. The camping season runs through the summer, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. 

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "When New Yorkers were eager to get outside safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they knew exactly where to go. New York State is home to a wide variety of campground destinations that everyone can enjoy. I'm encouraged by the record number of visitors this year and look forward to their return to take advantage of the opportunities New York's Adirondack and Catskill parks have to offer."

In 2021, New York State rolled out a new Loyalty/Reward program for campers where they earn points for every dollar spent on overnight accommodations at all state-owned and -operated campgrounds for both State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation. More than 55,800 people have enrolled so far. Campers can start earning points on new reservations as soon as they are enrolled.For more information about the program and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3Ek7Hsp.

State Senator Jose Serrano said, "I'm thrilled that more New Yorkers and visitors are discovering our state's campgrounds as they seek safe and affordable recreation options during the COVID-19 pandemic. The record growth in campground reservations shows that we are succeeding in connecting more communities to parks, fostering an appreciation for New York's incredible natural beauty and the physical and emotional health benefits of the outdoors. I commend Governor Hochul, Commissioner Kulleseid, and Commissioner Seggos for their commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy the natural wonders of our great state."

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 78 million in 2020.