New York Campground Owners Make Big Improvements for 2022 Camping Season

Cabins along the river at the Herkimer Diamond KOA campground, Herkimer, NY, are themed and you can even go prospecting for “diamonds.”. My cabin had a dinosaur dig theme. New York State campground owners have made many improvements in facilities and programs for this camping season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Campground operators across New York State have added new campsites and cabins, new amenities and have scheduled live entertainment and theme weekends for this camping season.

“Campground operators have made improvements that will make their parks even better vacation destinations than they were last year,” said Donald G. Bennett, Jr., president and CEO of Campground Owners of New York (CONY), which hosts CampNewYork.com, the travel planning website for camping enthusiasts.
Bennett also noted that many campgrounds experienced record occupancy levels during the pandemic, and have been better able to reinvest in their parks, adding new campsites, amenities, attractions, including rental accommodations.

Here’s a sampling of what’s new at several campgrounds across New York:

— Beaver Meadow Family Campground in Java Center: This 260-site campground is adding a heater for its swimming pool. The park’s amenities include a gem mining sluice, a jump pad, a playground, hiking trails and a three-acre catch-and-release fishing pond. The park also has two rental cabins. https://beavermeadowcampground.com/

— Country Roads Campground in Gilboa: This 118-site campground is adding new RV sites and upgrading existing campsites to 50 amp service. The park is also adding a one bedroom rental cottage. Other recent improvements include upgrading the park’s WiFi system and installing new pool decking and a basketball court. The park is also expanding its activities this year and will offer cornhole tournaments for adults and children.  https://countryroadscampground.com/

— Dream Lake Campground in Warsaw: This 100-site park is adding 45 new campsites, boosting its overall site count to 145. “We’re hoping to have the expansion completed by mid-summer,” said park owner Patty Jarnot, adding that the park is also adding a new bathhouse. Half of the new campsites will be available for overnight or short-term rentals, with the rest being available for seasonal camping. Other park improvements include a new bear’s playground, replacement of another bath house and laundry facility, and a new 1 3/4-acre fishing pond. http://dreamlakecampground.com/

— Kayuta Lake Campground in Forestport: This 165-site park has upgraded its WiFi so that guests can stream video from their campsites. The park has also expanded its offering of organized weekend activities. The campground has two rental cabins. https://www.kayuta.com/

— King Phillip’s Campground in Lake George: This 216-site campground is offering live entertainment throughout the summer, including bands, DJs and movie nights. http://www.kingphillipscampground.com/

— Lebanon Reservoir Campground in Hamilton: This park added seven new RV sites last year, boosting its overall site count to 150 sites and two rental cabins. Other recent improvements include a new office and camp store. https://lebanoncampground.com/

— Leisurewood Campground in Akron: This 910-site park, open May through Columbus Day, is adding outdoor movies and concerts. http://www.leisurewoodcampground.com/

— Medina / Wildwood Lake KOA Holiday in Medina:   This 350-site campground has doubled the size of its camp store, added a new game room, and converted several of its seasonal campsites to premium RV sites. The park has frontage around a 13-acre catch-and-release fishing lake. Boat rentals are available along with many other amenities, including a jumping pillow, pedal carts, a mining sluice, and a tavern. https://koa.com/campgrounds/medina/

— Natural Bridge / Watertown KOA in Watertown: This park, under new ownership, is offering theme weekends for the first time this year. Work is also underway to create five new patio RV sites and to redesign entrances to the park’s indoor heated pool. The campground is also seeking a liquor license and plans to offer craft beers as well as propane service and EV chargers. https://koa.com/campgrounds/watertown/

— Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA in Grand Island: This campground is located next to the Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World (https://niagaraamusementpark.com/). The park is adding two RV sites, each of which will their own private fenced area for their pets. Other improvements made in recent years include adding a jumping pillow and a gravity rail play structure, which kids can hang on to and ride, sort of like a slow-moving zip line, as they make their way from one side of the play structure to the other. The campground features 138 RV sites, 25 tent sites and 54 cabins. https://koa.com/campgrounds/niagara-falls-new-york/

— Pope Haven Campground in Randolph: This campground is upgrading electrical service for 19 of its campsites and adding a new playground. https://popehaven.com/

— Triple R Camping Resort in Franklinville: This park recently completed a new water attraction, LeeKee Lagoon, a water play structure with interactive features. The park also created a few more deluxe RV sites with concrete pads and patios and added two more deluxe cabin rentals with large decks and awnings so that guests can enjoy them regardless of weather conditions. Additional improvements include the installation of new basketball and volleyball courts. The park is also renovating part of its barn and plans to offer food service, including sandwiches, pizza and wings. https://www.triplercamp.com/

— Trout Run Camp Resort in Wellsville, NY: This year-round park is opening a new splash pad in May and has added six new family cabins for a total of 17 log cabins onsite. The park has also developed corporate retreat packages, geared for companies seeking a unique location for their off-site training or team-building activities. http://www.troutrun.com.

Campground Owners of New York is the trade association that represents independent campgrounds and RV parks in New York. Based in Pittsford, CONY provides education, government affairs and marketing services for campgrounds, including hosting CampNewYork.com, a travel planning website, and publishing a printed directory of New York campgrounds.

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Jellystone Parks Offers Tips for Fall Camping

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is one of North America’s leading family camping and glamping destination, known for providing attractions such as pools, water slides, and splash grounds; activities including jumping pillows, wagon rides, and foam parties; fun-filled theme weekends such as Halloween Spooktacular.

CINCINNATI – The 2021 fall family camping forecast includes cooler temperatures, trees changing colors and record bookings as more parents and kids celebrate autumn and Halloween in the great outdoors.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, North America’s leading family camping, glamping and entertainment destination, reports fall reservations are up 52% over 2020, which was a record year. The camping and RV industries continue to see a huge influx of families, many who are camping for the first time.

“Most new campers want to do things the correct way, but they just don’t know how. That’s where education and  a few simple tips for a safe experience can make a huge difference,” said Jack Steward, a camping expert who hosted the Emmy Award-winning show Rock the Parks on ABC for six years.

Steward and Jellystone Park are partnering to help families get the most out of their fall camping and glamping outings. “Great experiences lead to lifelong memories,” added Steward. “It’s really just about being respectful of the park and your neighbors while you’re camping.”

They offer these seven suggestions:

1. Select the right campground. If you are new to camping or glamping, decide if you want a trip filled with family attractions and activities or a quiet, serene experience. Jellystone Park locations offer fall themed weekends including trick-or-treating, costume parades, and site decorating contests and attractions such as wagon rides, mini golf, and jumping pillows. If your family is looking for a more rustic  camping experience, a state or national park is probably a better fit.

It also is important to pick a campground with the right kind of accommodations for your family. If you want a cabin with warm beds, hot showers, and kitchenettes, select a camp-resort such as Jellystone Park. If you prefer to “rough it,” find a state or national park near you. If staying connected online is important to your family, be sure the park has good WiFi.

2. Read the rules before you go. All campgrounds have guest rules and policies. Many don’t allow campers to bring in outside firewood as it can carry diseases and bugs. Not all campgrounds are pet-friendly or allow pets in their cabins. If you plan to bring your pet with you, ask about the park’s pet policies in advance. Be sure to check your campground’s check-in and check-out times so you can plan your arrival and departure accordingly. Every campground’s policies vary. Make sure you are familiar with them to avoid unnecessary problems.

3. Create a packing list so you don’t forget anything. Your fall packing list should include the essentials, as well as Halloween costumes and decorations, warm clothes, and plenty of s’mores supplies. If you’ll be staying in a cabin, check whether or not linens and kitchen supplies are provided. If you do forget or run out of supplies, Jellystone Park locations operate well stocked camp stores.

4. Avoid the road to RV ruin. If you’re new to RVing, consider reserving a site with a cement pad to make your set up easier. Book a pull-through site if possible to eliminate the need to back up into or out of your site. Also, be sure your RV is compatible with the park’s water, sewer, and electric services. Premium sites tend to sell out so book your stay as far in advance as possible. Allow the campground staff to help you park your camper. Before you head to the campground, find a safe place to practice maneuvering your RV.

5. Be kind to the environment. It’s tempting to go exploring, but too many people wandering in the woods damages plants and wildlife habitats. Be sure to stay on trails and take only pictures, not plants or rocks. Don’t approach wildlife, and never leave fires unattended.

6. Be a good neighbor. Don’t walk through any other family’s campsite, and be mindful of noise, especially at night. Keep your site clean and put food away to avoid attracting unwanted bugs and animals. Dispose of trash in the proper receptacles.

7. Be a responsible pet owner. Keep your dog leashed unless you are in a dog park, which many Jellystone Park locations offer. Always pick up after your pets, and never leave them unattended at your site.

With glamping, camping and RVing so popular these days, many campgrounds are sold out on weekends. However, weekday camping is an option, especially for families who are working and learning remotely. A number of Jellystone Park locations in warmer locations are open all year, with some hosting special Christmas events. The off-season is a good time to camp as parks are quieter and rates are lower.

“We expect 2022 will be another record-breaking year for the camping industry,” Steward said. “Families should start planning and booking their spring break and summer vacations now to avoid missing out on the best dates and locations.”

For more helpful advice, connect with Jellystone Park online at www.jellystonepark.com or on social media at @campjellystone.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is one of North America’s leading family camping and glamping destinations, known for providing guests with attractions such as pools, water slides, and splash grounds; activities including jumping pillows, wagon rides, and foam parties; fun-filled theme weekends such as Chocolate Lovers Weekend and Halloween Spooktacular Weekends; and interactions with Yogi Bear costumed characters. Jellystone Park guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options including premium cabins, yurts, deluxe RV sites, and traditional tenting campsites. There are 75 Jellystone Park locations in the U.S. and Canada. Follow Jellystone Park at @campjellystone and visit www.jellystonepark.com for more information.

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New Camping Opportunities on New York’s Canals

The Erie Canal at Macedon. Tentrr now has a camping site at the Palmyra-Macedon Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon which offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun – especially biking on the Canalway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Through a new partnership between the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation and Tentrr, the state is opening more hassle-free campsites alongside New York’s Canals this summer. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals initiative and the recently announced “On the Canals” excursions program, Tentrr created four fully-outfitted campsites for visitors to reserve, most within a short distance of a free “On the Canals” excursion opportunity.

Each of the Canalside camping locations offers turnkey, outfitted camping facilities, allowing guests to camp in style amongst the Canals. Each site is fully equipped with all the amenities for comfortable camping including spacious canvas tents atop a raised platform, queen size memory foam mattress, solar-powered showers, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, set up in advance of arrival.

The campsites available this summer within 15 minutes of an “On the Canals” excursion include:

Yankee Hill Getaway (Amsterdam, Town of Florida) Wedged between the Adirondack and Catskills parks in the Mohawk Valley, the Yankee Hill Getaway site lies on a thin strip of land between the original Erie Canal and the current Canal system. Three sites available.

Oak Island Vista (Waterloo) Nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, the beautiful Oak Island site offers easy access to the best of the Finger Lakes Region. Five sites available.

Montezuma Canal View at Lock E-26 (Galen) Campers at Lock E-26 will wake to views of the tranquil Erie Canal and have easy access to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Six sites available.

Palmyra-Macedon Getaway at Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon) The Palmyra-Macedon site offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun. Five sites available.

To book, go to https://www.tentrr.com/pages/new-york-canals.

In addition to these new campsites, Camp Rockaway is managing a glamping site at Lock C-5 on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville through September 8th.

Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, Governor Cuomo and the New York Power Authority committed $300 million over five years to revitalize the Erie Canal corridor as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of Canalside communities.

Sandy Pines Camping Resort in Kennebunkport Opens Second Season with New Glamping Accommodations, Programming

New custom-designed glamping accommodations open at Sandy Pines Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine, in its second season (photo by Douglas Merriam)

Kennebunkport, ME – Sandy Pines Campground opens May 11, 2018 for its second season with a roster of curated new experiences, custom designed glamping accommodations and engaging programming benefiting every level and style of camper – from RVers and traditional tent campers to glampers.

“When guests come to Sandy Pines, we aim to immerse them in the best of Maine – its natural beauty, nostalgic charm, a feeling of community – and set the stage for making new memories each time they visit,” said co-founder and hotelier Tim Harrington. “During our first season, we took note of what campers enjoyed most and built on those types of offerings for 2018.”

Sandy Pines opened in June 2017 with a plethora of resort-level amenities, including a rustic Grand Lodge, General Store stocked with local Maine provisions and a dedicated s’mores section, heated saltwater pool, Kids’ Kamp, lawn games and more.

For Summer 2018, campers can look forward to weekly entertainment like TBT Movie Nights by the Pool, screening throwback flicks served with popcorn and ice cream bars; Saturday Night Fever, where campers can convene for live music, a burger bash and cocktails – mixers provided, BYOB; and Sundae Funday ice cream buffet complete with toppings bar.

The Snack Bar will offer tasty breakfast options such as freshly baked pastries and breakfast burritos, plus grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, perfect for easy outdoor dining. A Maine visit isn’t complete without lobster and Sandy Pines campers can pre-order lobster dinners for delivery, which include steamed lobster, butter, sides, dessert and utensils. 

Grownups don’t get all the fun! New Kids’ Kamp activities will keep tiny tykes busy crafting dreamcatchers, learning to build teepee shelters, tie-dying keepsake t-shirts and more. Parents can loosen the leash on their free-roaming pre-teens but ensure they’re well-fed with Camper Cash, redeemable for ice cream, the snack bar or other in-park activities.

Glamping

Nature enthusiasts angling for elevated accommodations can choose from several new options available for nightly rental, beginning late June 2018. 

This season, Sandy Pines will unveil 12 Camp Carriages, akin to stylish cottages on wheels. These retreats are uniquely decorated by Kennebunkport designer Krista Stokes and are outfitted with king-size beds, A/C, exterior window shutters, fire pits and seating areas.  Krista also collaborated on designing 12 Hideaway Huts, wooden A-frames that are sleek and modern, yet rustic. The cozy structures feature full-size beds and lighting with outdoor seating areas and fire pits.

Lastly, Sandy Pines will add four more of their popular safari-style Glamp Tents, bringing the total to 16 professionally decorated accommodations, each with unique elements like antiques, four-post beds, chandeliers and more. Kennebunkport’s Louise Hurlbutt designed the four new tents, named Tradewinds, Robin’s Nest, Elements and Under the Stars.

Themed Weekends

Sandy Pines will expand their experiential park programming with new themed weekends. The first is Vintage Camping Weekend, June 15-17 during Father’s Day weekend, where owners of restored, DIY and unique campers will converge to swap stories, play games, enjoy live music, BBQ and the Great Outdoors. All park guests are invited to get in on the fun and tour the vintage campers.

To celebrate the Fall Equinox on September 22, Sandy Pines will host a family-focused “Great Maine Camp Out.” Campers of all ages are invited to spend the night, take an astronomy class, learn techniques for campfire cooking, listen to fireside storytelling by local authors and more.

Located minutes from Goose Rocks Beach in charming Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines Campground provides an experience that is authentically Maine, embodying the best of the Pine Tree State’s coast – natural beauty, salty breezes and a small-town ambiance. New England charm is infused throughout the grounds, from the rustic Grand Lodge to the General Store stocked with Maine provisions, including a section solely for s’mores creations, and a multitude of outdoor activities. The park’s campsites cater to traditional tent campers and RVers along with the option of booking professionally-decorated Glamp Tents, Camp Carriages and Hideaway Huts for nightly rental or purchasing a park model RV “tiny home.”

Sandy Pines Campground, 277 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, Maine 04046, www.sandypinescamping.com or call (207) 967-2483. Follow on Facebook at Sandy Pines Maine and on Instagram at @sandypinesmaine.

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GoCampingAmerica.com Launches Contest to Find America’s Best Camping Trip Video

Camping gives your family a direct connection to experience the outdoors, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado.GoCampingAmerica.com is inviting people to submit their best camping video. © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

For the first time ever, GoCampingAmerica.com is launching a nationwide contest to find America’s best camping trip videos.

GoCampingAmerica.com has partnered with El Monte RV to co-sponsor the ‘Not Bummer Summer Go Camping America Video Contest’ to find America’s best camping trip video.

“We’re looking for 2 to 3 minutes of your best camping video,” said Kera Tomlin, director of marketing for GoCampingAmerica.com. “The only requirement is the video be family- friendly, that it capture the essence of having a ‘not bummer  summer’ and that it be taken at a campground, RV park or resort featured on the GoCampingAmerica website.”

GoCampingAmerica.com features more than 3,300 parks across the United States, most of which are located in popular vacation destinations.

Campers are invited to submit their entry forms at http://www.GoCampingAmerica.com/VideoContest and upload their video on GoCampingAmerica’s YouTube channel. All videos must be taken and submitted
between June 1st and Labor Day (midnight Sept. 5th).

Video entries will be voted on through the ‘favorites’ option on YouTube between June 1, 2011 and September 5, 2011. The top two videos with the most ‘favorite’ votes that best depict a ‘Not Bummer Summer’ Camping getaway and most carefully follows the rules and regulations, will then be entered into a drawing and the first randomly drawn will be selected as the grand prize winner and the other entrant will be awarded the 2nd runner up. The third prize winner will be selected amongst the remaining top five ‘favorite’ votes and entered into a drawing and selected at random. An entrant may recommend to its camping guests, friends and families to ‘favorite’ the entrant’s video on YouTube.

The grand prize winner will receive a weeklong trip in an RV, courtesy of El Monte RV, and free camping at GoCampingAmerica.com campgrounds. Other prizes include seven days and six nights of lodging at any GoCampingAmerica park, a $100 Camping World gift certificate, plus a $100 movie ticket certificate and other Judy Moody movie related promotional items.

Judy Moody and The NOT Bummer Summer is a movie based on the bestselling book series by Megan McDonald and stars Jordana Beatty, Heather Graham, Parris Mosteller, and Jaleel White. The film is directed by John Schultz and produced by Smokewood Entertainment’s Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness. Executive Producers are Bobbi Sue Luther and Andrew Sugerman. For more information about
the movie please visit http://www.JudyMoodyMovie.com.

For more information about the contest, visit www.GoCampingAmerica.com.

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