I’m glad to have found this article from The Examiner.Com, from sometime in May– maybe California’s state parks will earn enough money to avoid closure despite the state’s budget problems….

SUMMER CAMPING SEASON COULD BE BUSIEST EVER

SACRAMENTO, CA

The summer camping season at California state parks could be historic, the busiest on record, because of this year’s cut in camping fees combined with rising energy costs, State Parks Director Rusty Areias said today.

The latest information shows park attendance up anywhere from 22 percent to 40 percent, with the busiest months of the season – June, July and August – still ahead. That means attendance at many of the most popular locations could go even higher and is clearly headed toward record levels.
In addition, the new attendance figures show a 40 percent increase in paid day use at state parks during the first three months of this year, when compared to the average of the first three months of
the previous three years.

“The preliminary data we are seeing indicate we are headed toward the busiest summer camping season on record in the State of California,” Areias said today. “We think it is being caused by a combination of factors that has the public looking for ways to save money but still enjoy a nice vacation.”

Energy prices could be a factor in this summer’s attendance, Areias said. Using current prices, the natural gas and electricity bill for a weekend at home would be about $40 for the average family of four, according to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Camping fees for a weekend at a state park could cost $24 or less. “Turn out the lights and go camping – that’s what people seem to be telling us,” Areias said.

“Vacancies in our campsites will be going fast, “said Areias. “We are gearing up to do what we can to help the public find what they want, somewhere in our system.” Department of Parks and Recreation officials are offering a number of tips for campers this summer:

Plan ahead for reservation Sites.
Determine where you want to camp and be flexible.
Consider Non-reservation Sites:
Consider less busy months:
Consider less busy days – camp mid-week
Consider less popular camps:
Remember the holiday crush:
Try day use.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

As I was preparing the last post (Lori’s layout), Fox and Friends featured a little piece on– you guessed it– camping! I love that camping is getting media attention as a good vacation option in this economy, but its rise in popularity might mean that those of us who’ve had great luck with being “walk-ins” at parks and campgrounds in the past should go ahead and make reservations! I know that I’m having trouble finding a spot at one of my favorite state parks here in my area, which hasn’t been true in the past. (I’d just as soon go there in the fall, anyway, to escape the heat, so I’ll live, but my point is that people really are providing more competition for spots these days.)

All in all, it’s a good problem to have, I guess, although full campgrounds usually mean less peace and quiet. Whoops– I’m getting close to griping here, so I’ll stop now!

Make your reservations now for your summer trips, if you haven’t already.