Watch this fun drone flyover video of an RV resort

In this fascinating flyover video by David Bott of OutsideOurBubble.com, you will see Southwoods RV Resort in Byron, N.Y., with its large, well-kept spaces, great areas for recreation and a hilltop RV group area. David adds that the park owners and staff are all willing to go the extra mile.

Leaf peeping time in the Northeast

Name the Northeastern state that has almost as many acres of broad-leafed trees as the rest of the Northeast combined.

Answer: New York!

If you're looking to New England as a "leaf peeping" venue this fall, then the Empire State may be your ticket to colorful views. To help leaf-chasers, Wednesday, September 12 marks the launch of the I LOVE NEW YORK Fall Foliage Color Report which will run as long as the leaves show color, likely through early November. Every week will see a new report published on iloveny.com/fall will help viewers find fall color, region by region.

In the Finger Lakes region, enjoy the autumn scenery while taking a leisurely drive to a charming winery or small antique shop, then head out onto a lake for a boat cruise and get a different perspective of the leaves. Visit a historic lighthouse and check out fall food stops, like a local cider mill, in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region.

In the Hudson Valley take in the breathtaking landscapes — by bike or car– that inspired a generation of artists, and then indulge in the culinary delights at one of the region’s renowned restaurants. Stroll the sands of Long Island’s famous beaches or enjoy one of its seasonal festivals, such as the Oyster Festival in October.

In the Capital-Saratoga region, you’ll delight in the patchwork quilt landscapes that inspired folk artist Grandma Moses and marvel at the showcase of 18th to 21st century architecture in the capital city of Albany.

An idyllic mix of waterfalls, enchanting mountains, lush forests and sparkling streams await you in the Catskills region, while the Adirondacks region provides countless hiking opportunities within a six million acre wilderness. Autumn beauty greets visitors in the Greater Niagara region, home to the mighty falls as well as Letchworth State Park, a.k.a. “the Grand Canyon of the East,” while the beautiful natural landscape of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region offers endless outdoor activity with scenic trails, serene waters, nature centers, and New York’s largest state park. Autumn is also the perfect time to explore the rich history, geological wonders and cultural opportunities of Central New York.

Since the state covers such a huge area, if you miss the leaves in one neck of the woods there'll be plenty more in another region later on. Color change starts in the high country of the Adirondacks and Catskills early on in September, then moves down country, ending up in Long Island and "the City" (New York) in early November. You'll have a couple of weeks in each area from start to finish.

The foliage report includes a detailed map charting fall color progress, vantage points for viewing spectacular foliage and weekly event listings so you can plan your visit to one of New York State’s 11 vacation regions accordingly. For highlights of the foliage report dial toll-free, 1-800-CALL-NYS (1-800-225-5697) each week from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.

Source: Empire State Development

New York plans park expansions--but what about RVers?

Cash-strapped New York State says it may have found the ticket to supporting its parks: Expand camping opportunities. In what one politician labels the idea, it's "actually a money-generating, self-sustaining project." But how will park camping expansion plans really play out for the RV community?

In a story carried by New York State's Saratogian, the expansion plans look to benefit tent campers and folks who'd rather rent a cabin than bring in a recreational vehicle. "Across the state, cabins are becoming a huge draw,' said Heather Mabee, chair of the Saratoga/Capital District Region Parks Commission, which met Thursday at Saratoga Spa State Park. "People love not having to set up a tent." Mabee's quote is drawn from the Saratogian.

In the Saratoga Springs area, that's significant as in the entire park region, only three cabins make up the state's available arsenal of rental units. Plans would bring 15 more cabins and 80 tent sites. Why such emphasis? It's dollars and cents. A "cottage" in the park will fetch $1,000 on a high demand week, while a tent site on the same week, a meager $130.

Still, any move to expanding cabins or tent sites comes with drop of the other shoe: Where do you get the money for the capital investment? It's possible a private contractor would build, get a portion of the rental proceeds until its investment is recouped. Or like stadiums around this great land, a company could contribute cash for cabin construction and see its name affixed to the construct.

With high fuel prices, the state is banking on the "staycation" concept, where folks don't come from huge distances, rather locals would set up camp in state parks and enjoy the great outdoors--not far from home. Perhaps this is why there seems to be so little discussion (or should we say no discussion) of creating more RV sites in New York Parks. From personal experience, this reporter can tell you that the Empire State is one of the least RV-friendly states in the Union. Perhaps a little attention to RVers could result in a bit of a financial up-tick in terms of tourist dollars.

New York State Parks designed for winter camping

Winter in New York allows outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various activities such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing due to the state’s varied geography and bountiful winter snows. According to a Yahoo report by Kateryn Elizabeth, maintained highways allow year-round access to campers who wish to take their RV or tent out for a winter weekend or even those who just grab a sleeping bag and gear to take advantage of a rustic camping cabin. The following is a list of parks that are open year-round.

Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park, located near Salamanca in the southwestern portion of New York, is a 65,000-acre recreational area frequented by Northeasterners who enjoy snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Situated just 45 miles southeast of Lake Erie, it benefits from plenty of snow, thanks to being often in the path of extended lake effect snow. Year-round rustic camping cabins are available in the Quaker and Red House areas of the park, and a modern campground with hook-ups and camp store is available year-round near Red House Lake.

Cross-country ski trails are kept groomed throughout the season in the Art Roscoe Ski Touring area, and downhill ski enthusiasts can find slopes and snow tubing in less than a 30-minute drive north on Highway 219 in Holiday Valley, N.Y. The Seneca Allegany Casino is located in nearby Salamanca for warming up at or grabbing a bite. Each cabin village and campground section in the park offers clean restroom and shower facilities, with plenty of forced heat for those who choose to rough it while playing in the southwestern New York winter.

Wellesley Island State Park

For winter enthusiasts who want to rough it, but not in a tent during blustery upstate New York winter days, the rustic camping cabins at Wellesley Island State Park sit directly on the St. Lawrence Riverway between the U.S. and Canada, while looking across the Thousand Islands Region. These non-furnished camping cabins contain bunks, small kitchenettes and electricity with heat.

However, campers use normal camping utilities and facilities concerning water supply and centrally heated restrooms with showers, and they must bring their own necessities such as sleeping bags and kitchenware. Fire pits and grills are located outside of each cabin and ice fishing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available within the park. The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is a popular draw with a museum and ranger-led nature programs during all seasons. Watertown is about 15-minute drive south for any gear or supplies that campers may need to pick up.

Taconic State Park

For tent campers interested in an excellent late fall, early winter camping weekend within an easy drive from New York City, Taconic State Park offers rustic, wooded camping through mid-December each year at their Copake Falls camping area.

Platforms built approximately 1 1/2 feet off of the ground accommodate campers with tents in many of the treed sites helping to keep your tent area easily cleaned of any snow. There are no utilities at any of the sites, however, there are centrally located restroom and shower facilities with water stations, which are well kept and always warm. Campers can explore the old Copulate Iron Works and hike to Bash Bish Falls even in the early snows. Nearby skiing at Catamount in Massachusetts is less than 10 minutes away near the New York/Massachusetts border. The park staff is always helpful and knowledgeable. Fully furnished and utilized cottages with all the amenities are available for rent as well, if an unexpected storm brings a couple feet of snow — as happened in late October 2011.

SOURCE: Woodall's Campground Management, Yahoo Sports

Free gift card when buying NY state park pass on Nov. 28 and 29

Give the gift of New York's best green spaces with an Empire Passport, which provides annual unlimited State Park vehicle access or a camping gift card that can be redeemed at a New York State Park-operated campground.

"If you have someone who loves the outdoors on your gift-giving list this holiday season, State Parks has easy and affordable gift ideas," said State Park Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Our gift cards and Empire Passport help outdoor enthusiasts to unwrap adventure at New York's incredible parks and campgrounds."

As a special one-time offer, anyone who purchases the $65 Empire Passport on-line at www.nysparks.com on 'Cyber Monday,' from midnight Nov. 28 to midnight Nov. 29, will receive a free camping gift card worth $25. Gift Cards and Empire Passports may also be purchased anytime by calling 518-474-0458 during regular business hours, or visiting a local state park or regional office. To ensure holiday delivery, phone and website orders must be received by December 15, 2011.

The $65 Empire Passport offers unlimited vehicle access to New York State Parks for all four seasons. Valid through March 31, 2013, Empire Passport holders avoid the daily $6-$10 vehicle entry fee to upwards of 250 state-operated parks, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and forest preserve sites.

The camping gift card can be used for campsites, cabins or cottages at nearly 70 beautiful State Park campgrounds operated by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Gift Cards can be purchased for any dollar amount and have no expiration date. The gift card is not available for state campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills.