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.