Pricey Gas Fuels New York Camping

From Backpacker Magazine

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: If you plan on camping this summer, make your reservations now. On the heels of Vermont's 7 percent upswing in campers because of high gas prices, New York state park officials have announced a 16 percent increase in camping reservations for the same reasons. (It's amazing how a gas spike can drive people from Cancun to the Catskills).

"With gasoline prices soaring, state parks are an attractive and inexpensive option for people looking to get away without driving too far," said Carol Ash, commissioner of the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

ReserveAmerica, the biggest provider of campsite reservations in North America, has reported a 14 percent increase in campsite bookings nationally, so campers beyond the northeast should get on the ball as well.

I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of these new reservations belongs to car campers, so maybe we can get space and fresh air by doing what we always do: Camp off the beaten path. Some of us  call ourselves backpackers, after all. — Ted Alvarez

Gas prices help fuel rise in camping at NY state parks (NY Newsday)