I got this camping deal press release from the state and thought I'd share. There are a couple state parks I'm really hoping to check out next summer especially on Long Island. Basically, you get a $25 camping gift card (equivalent to about one night at most sites) if you book two nights online through midnight tonight. Camping trips must be taken through Labor Day 2014 weekend.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are offering a bonus, $25 camping gift card to all persons who book a two-night minimum stay online on Cyber Monday, December 2, 2013. Reservations have to be made at: http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ from midnight to 11:59 p.m.

“Camping in New York State is all about enjoying nature, building lifelong memories and doing so at a super, affordable price for families,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “This special is unique because it will allow our loyal customers to come back and camp even cheaper next time or gift the card to someone who has yet to experience all that camping in New York State has to offer.”

"New York State campgrounds offer many unique camping experiences at very diverse locations. It's this diversity that ensures that whatever your tastes, we have a facility you will love," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "We see this promotion as a great opportunity for our returning campers to get in an extra camping trip next season, or as a perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for outdoor-enthusiast.”

Persons who book on Cyber Monday this year will be able to make a reservation through the 2014 Labor Day weekend, pending availability, some restrictions may apply. With more than 15,000 campsites, New York has more state operated campsites than any where else in the nation.

In 2012, State Parks reported a record high year with campsites and cabins occupied for 578,428 nights. This year, camping is more popular than ever as State Parks is currently setting new records with more than 4,000 more nights over last year. With secluded woodland campsites, lakeside cabins, full service cottage rentals and unique lodging there is a camping opportunity for any interest.

During the summer of 2013, over 1.6 million visitors enjoyed DEC’s facilities in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.  The operation of campgrounds and day use areas generates substantial revenue, provides local employment opportunities and makes a significant contribution to New York State's economy.  It is particularly important to the economic health and well-being of the tourism-based industry in communities throughout the Adirondack and Catskill regions.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains and oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites which house 8,300+ campsites at 113 campgrounds. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-486-1868 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages 52 campgrounds and six day-use areas located in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. DEC's facilities attract approximately 1.8 million visitors 

(*Just watch out for odd deductions from your banking account after camping so what happened to me at Sampson State Park doesn't happen to you too.)