by Dan Glass
It doesn’t hurt to ask! Pennsylvania’s state park campers found this out when Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR Acting Secretary, recently announced that making camping arrangements in Pennsylvania’s state parks would now be “even easier,” in a response to campers’ requests for a more streamlined reservation process. “Pennsylvania has 120 state parks that offer incredible activities to explore our rich legacy of forests, lakes, mountains, trails, wildlife and natural heritage,” Dunn said. “With that many options there’s something for everyone.”
Indeed, there is something out there for you and yours! Pennsylvania’s state parks are open year-round and attract about 38 million visitors a year. Combined, they offer approximately 6,200 campsites; 300 cabins; 91 camping and deluxe cottages; and 34 yurts. Whether you want to see waterfalls, vistas, eagles, elk, historical sites, or simply have a lakeside picnic, Pennsylvania has it. All you have to do to access all this – and more! – is visit DCNR’s website!
DCNR’s online reservation system was first launched in 2006. Users can search for (and reserve) available campsites, picnic pavilions and other facilities online, 24-hours per day, seven days per week. To make online reservations, park users should visit www.visitPAparks.com and click on “Reservations.” Reservations can be made up to 11 months prior to a planned arrival date. By booking your trip with the click of a mouse (instead of going to the park or phoning a live operator), travelers stay happy and DCNR staff can focus on keeping the parks running smoothly.
“One of the key new features is the ability for customers to make a state park reservation on a mobile device,” Dunn said. “Many people now seek information and make their travel plans on their smart phones and other devices. This upgrade fits nicely with Gov. Wolf’s effort to highlight government that works, making it a better experience for our visitors to interact with DCNR when making plans to visit a state park.” The recent update also includes better campsite descriptions, easier site navigation, an upgraded map view, availability notifications, a simpler check-out process, and increased security.
As always, visitors may still make reservations through DCNR’s toll-free number, 1-888-PA-PARKS, weekdays and Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. For more information on Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.