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NY STATE CAMPSITE PHOTOS 2.0
New York State Campgrounds Reopening FAQ

Please note the answers to these frequently asked questions are based on information sourced from offical agency websites of NY State Parks, the DEC and Reserve America, agency emails, park offices as well iis input from individuals who have contact with campgrounds directly or the campgrounds themselves. These are NOT official comments from the park agencies. The purpose here is to provide as much detail as possible of the reopening as soon as information is available to assist campers who are trying to plan their 2020 camping season. All statements are to the best of our knowledge accurate.

Last Updated: Mon July 6, 2020 11:20am

Are all New York State campgrounds now open?

State parks run by the OPRHP are now all open as of June 1st for reservations only, no walkups. DEC campgrounds have all opened between June 19 and Wed July 1. For DEC campground opening dates see the Campground Reopening page.

Can I make reservations for this season yet?

Reservations for the 2020 season are available for OPRHP campgrounds for dates starting on/after June 22. Reservations for DEC campgrounds have reopened as of Mon July 6th for stays on/after July 10, 2020.

Will out of state campers be allowed to camp in 2020?

Yes.

Are state campgrounds open for tent camping?

Yes.

Why can't I find an available sites on Reserve America for 2020?

Reservations for OPRHP campgrounds and DEC reopened for 2020. Most sites have already been booked now for this summer and well into the fall. You may have to adjust your dates to find availability, or choose another campground.

Will my existing 2020 reservations be honored?

For OPRHP campgrounds all reservations on/after June 1st will be honored regardless of equipment type. For DEC campgrounds reservations on/after their opening date should honoured. NOTE! If your reservation starts before the campground opening date and ends after the opening date you can change your reservation to start on the opening date and not incur any fees by calling Reserve America to make the change. If you do it online you will incur the $9 change fee. Call 1-800-456-2267.

Why are reservations opened for the 2021 season?

On May 12th the reservation window was changed from the usual 9 months to 24 months to allow campers to move their current 2020 reservations to dates in 2021 because the campgrounds were closed for the spring season. At the same time they also allowed campers to make new reservations for all dates in 2021. Speculation on the reason for allowing new reservations in 2021 is beyond the scope of this FAQ. The ability to make new reservations for 2021 is only temporary and could be closed at any time.

Will campgrounds only be open to those with self-contained units?

OPRHP and DEC campgrounds are honouring all existing reservations regardless of equipment type.

Will campgrounds be open with reduced capacity?

It appears that reduced capacity may be handled by not allowing new reservations initially and no walkups. This would cause campgrounds to naturally run somewhat below capacity.

Are remote or boat accessible campgrounds open?

These currently follow the same rules and opening dates as other state parks. See the list of opening dates on the Campground Reopening page.

I'm from Canada. When will the border be open to allow us to camp in New York this summer?

At this time the Canadian/US border is closed until at least July 21, 2020 but there are indications that the border could be closed indefinitely. This could mean no camping in the New York for Canadians this season.

How do I check if Reserve America will honor my June reservation?

You can call them at 800-456-2267 or text them at 518-730-4329 and they should be able to help you. In general reservations for June 1st or later will be honored at OPRHP campgrounds. DEC campgrounds will honor reservations starting on/after their reopening date.

When are State Parks Opening?

OPRHP campgrounds opened June 1st to those with reservations only. DEC campgrounds are opening on or after June 19th. Exact dates can be found on the Campground Reopening page.

Are there going to be any restrictions when camping?

The full text is available in the "Reopening Guidelines (OPRHP)" section on the Campgrounds Reopening page. The short answer though is: You must wear a mask when not on your site, you must practice social distancing, only registered campers will be allowed in the campground area, no day visitors, there may be limited shower and/or restroom facilities and they may be closed periodically to allow for enhanced cleaning. As well certain amenities like playgrounds may not be available.

Will all bathroom and shower facilities be open?

There may be limited shower and/or restroom facilities and they may be closed periodically to allow for enhanced cleaning. Exact details are not known at this time.

When are DEC campgrounds going to open?

See the Reopening Guide for a list of all the DEC campground reopening dates. They range from June 19 to July 1, 2020.

What if my reservation starts before the reopening date?

Your best bet is to call Reserve America to change your reservation to start on the reopening date. By doing this you will ensure your reservation does not get cancelled and also to waive the $9 change fee. If you make the change online you will incur the $9 change fee.

Where do I make reservations?

The only place to make reservations is through Reserve America. You can book a site online or by calling 1-800-456-2267. You can NOT contact campgrounds directly to make a reservation. Only OPRHP campgrounds are taking reservations at this time. Reservations for DEC campgrounds remain suspended.

 

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