DCNR Reports Campsite Reservations Up 30% As People Try To Find Alternatives To Federal Recreation Facilities Closed By Staff Cuts; Gift Certificates Available

As several federal campgrounds close due to staffing shortages, Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests remain open and ready for visitors – and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is launching a new tourism campaign to encourage Pennsylvania residents and visitors to choose state parks and forests for their next outdoor adventure. 

DCNR is seeing a nearly 30 percent increase in campsite reservations this March compared to the same time last year, signaling strong demand for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania.

To encourage more residents and visitors to explore the state’s natural beauty, DCNR launched the “Still Open. Still Awesome.” campaign, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to accessible and affordable outdoor experiences.

“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 DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “With warmer temperatures on the way, now is the time to plan your next outdoor getaway.”

Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forests offer free, year-round recreation with no entrance fees. 

With more than 7,100 campsites—including tent sites, modern cabins, and yurts—there’s an option for every level of camper. 

Many state parks also welcome pets, and locations like Promised Land State Park provide overnight accommodations for horseback riders.

Gift Certificates

Just in time for peak camping season, DCNR is relaunching its gift certificate program, now available for purchase through the online State Parks Reservations System and in park offices. 

Gift certificates can be used for reservations on campsites, cabins, picnic pavilions, and state-operated retail purchases. 

Remaining balances on the new gift certificates will convert into donations after two years of inactivity, ensuring continued investment in Pennsylvania’s public lands.

Plan Your Great American Getaway

With the launch of Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, the Commonwealth is highlighting its status as a premier outdoor recreation destination. 

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, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Many state parks have weekday availability and offer lower rates during non-peak times.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.

Resource Links:

-- Inquirer: 425+ Campsites Across PA Are Closed Indefinitely Due To Federal Cuts At Raystown Lake, Seven Points, Susquehannock, Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds, Tompkins Campground on Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes 

-- LancasterOnline: Raystown Lake Federal Recreation Area Campgrounds To Close Due To Federal Hiring Freeze In Huntingdon County  

-- Altoona Mirror: Part Of Raystown Lake Federal Recreation Area Camps To Close Due To Staff Cuts  

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: Our National Parks Are National Treasurers DOGE Must Not Cut - By John Plonski

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Reports Campsite Reservations Up 30% As People Try To Find Alternatives To Federal Recreation Facilities Closed By Staff Cuts; Gift Certificates Available  [PaEN]

-- Western PA Conservancy Now Accepting Grant Applications For Canoe, Kayak Access Projects In Western PA [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Grants Update: Fmr Golf Course Remade Into Public Park; Kids Introduced To Mountain Biking; Route 6 Advances To Final 4 Scenic Byways Contest; Grant Opportunities 

-- DCNR Resource Highlights New Forests For All Plan; Explore PA State Parks, Forests Recreation Options; Expanding PA Outdoor Corps; Tips-Trout Season Opens April 5  [PaEN] 

-- April 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation  [PaEN] 

-- The Nature Conservancy - PA/DE Adds 509 Acres To Protected Land Along Susquehanna River Water Gaps In Dauphin County  [PaEN] 

-- Volunteers Needed!  PA Forestry Assn. Sproul State Forest Tree Planting Ramble April 12 In Centre County  [PaEN] 

-- PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In March Now Available  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- WITF/StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: State Parks Attracting More Campground Reservations As Federal Recreation Sites Close Due To Staff Cuts 

-- Williamsport Sun: PA’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Has Been Growing

-- Williamsport Sun - Bill Bower: Reflections In Nature: Forest Fire Wardens Become Busy In Spring

-- PublicNewsService.org: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership To Plant 90,000 Trees This Spring Toward Its Goal 

-- Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Parks Contribute To Economy, Enhance Property Values, Support Jobs, New Study Shows 

-- PA Wilds Conservation Shop At Leonard Harrison State Park-- PA Grand Canyon-- Opens For 2025 Season In Tioga County 

-- Erie Times: Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation Names Barbara Chaffee CEO 

-- The Nature Conservancy PA: Celebrate Earth Month With A Trash-Tastice Cleanup!  Meet Nature Renaissance Man George Gress; Celebrate Migratory Bird Day May 10 With TNC

-- WHYY: Want To Help Make Philly Greener? Big Spring Tree Planting Is Coming Up April 11-14

-- PittsburghUnionProgress.com: Allegheny National Forest Could See More Logging Under President’s Policies, Local Officials Hope 

-- Reading Eagle: Registration Open For 2025 Schuylkill River Sojourn

-- WNEP: Gearing Up For Whitewater Rafting Season In The Poconos

-- Pike Conservation District: April 26 Hikes In Pike Spring Hike On Fossil Trail At Pocono Environmental Education Center

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: The Allegheny Riverfront In Pittsburgh Is A Good Resource, And Could Be Great

-- WHYY: Delaware County Woods Set To Get A Loop Trail, Formal BMX Arrangement, Pavilion As County’s Largest Public Park

-- Erie Times: City Of Erie Developing Multimillion Dollar Plan To Improve City Parks

-- WTAE: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Announces New 5-Year Strategic Plan Ahead Of 30th Anniversary

-- Discover NE PA: Spotting Spring Wildflowers With PA Environmental Council

[Posted: March 31, 2025]  PA Environment Digest