Tobyhanna State Park, Pennsylvania 423, Tobyhanna, PA (Credit: Deborah Downes/Unsplash)
With federal campground closures causing uncertainty for outdoor enthusiasts, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is assuring residents and visitors that state parks and forests remain open and are welcoming guests.
The DCNR has launched a new tourism campaign, “Still Open. Still Awesome,” to highlight the state’s accessible and affordable outdoor recreation opportunities.
The campaign looks to encourage residents and visitors to choose Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests for their next adventure, according to state officials.
“From breathtaking hiking trails to peaceful lakeside campsites, Pennsylvania’s parks are the perfect escape for those looking to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “With warmer temperatures on the way, now is the time to plan your next outdoor getaway.”
The campaign comes as the state sees a surge in interest in parks.
The DCNR reported a nearly 30% increase in campsite reservations this March compared to the same period last year, indicating strong demand for outdoor recreation within the state.
Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forests offer free, year-round recreation with no entrance fees. The parks feature more than 7,100 campsites, including tent sites, modern cabins, and yurts, catering to various camping preferences. Many parks also welcome pets, and some, like Promised Land State Park, offer overnight accommodations for horseback riders.
The DCNR’s campaign coincides with the second year of Visit PA’s “Great American Getaway” campaign, further promoting the state’s tourism offerings.
Campsites and lodging at state parks can be reserved online at visitPAparks.com or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DCNR encourages visitors to take advantage of weekday availability and lower rates during non-peak times.
The DCNR has also relaunched its gift certificate program, available for purchase through the online State Parks Reservations System and in park offices. The certificates can be used for reservations on campsites, cabins, picnic pavilions, and state-operated retail purchases. After two years of inactivity, remaining balances on the gift certificates will convert into donations to support Pennsylvania’s public lands.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation opportunities, visitors can check the state’s website and the state parks’ Calendar of Events for public land activities.
As part of President Donald Trump’s work to cut federal spending, the National Park Service has faced cuts ahead of the busy summer vacation season.
NPR reported that federal park leaders have previously testified the agency was understaffed prior to recent lay offs and a hiring freeze.
