Visits to Pennsylvania State Parks Surged this Summer
Pennsylvania’s state parks recorded a 30 percent increase in campground reservations, filling the need left by the federal government’s closed campgrounds. Overall summer reservations increased 10 percent statewide and 60 percent near affected federal sites.
“When the federal government closed campgrounds, Pennsylvania stepped up,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Pa. DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Thanks to the incredible work of our state park and forest teams, we kept the outdoors open, awesome, and accessible for all. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or looking to explore a trail, Pennsylvania’s public lands are ready and waiting to welcome you.”
Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, which are free and open to the public year-round, welcomed nearly 25 million visitors this summer. The Commonwealth promoted overnight stays through its Still Open. Still Awesome. Campaign. Pennsylvania’s 2.2 million acres of forest and 7,100 campsites offer great opportunities for residents and visitors to get out and enjoy nature.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation represents 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s GDP and delivers $9 billion in wages and salaries to Pennsylvanians.