MOREAU, N.Y. - Moreau Lake State Park Manager Peter Iskenderian said, "It's pristine. It's a healthy lake. There are no motors so it's nice and calm so people can swim and don't worry about motor boats."
The State Park is so appealing to people that it's one of the most popular campgrounds in the state. It's so popular in fact that people have been booking their camp sites months in advance. Camping season starts Friday here and at most state parks, but park officials say people started reserving their spots back in February.
Iskenderian said, "Memorial Day is already booked. Fourth of July is already booked."
Camping season starts this weekend at state park campgrounds, and it looks like more and more people are opting to camp out during the summer. Our Jessica Mokhiber has more on what you need to know if you plan on spending some time in the woods this season.
Iskenderian said at the state parks you have to register and pay a small camping fee. It's best to make a reservation in advance but you can just show up at the park office. But you'll be taking your chances on getting a camp site.
Last year, a record 400,000 people visited this park. Park officials only expect that number to go up this year.
One big reason they say is gas prices.
"It was a similar situation last year," Iskenderian said. "Gas prices started to rise and last year was our biggest year."
They say people are more apt to camp or stay local while gas prices are so high. Already this weekend, 20 campsites are booked. But that's nothing compared to the summer months when some days all 144 sites are taken.
"People love it here," said Iskenderian.
Here are some tips from park officials statewide. The same laws apply in the park as outside. The drinking age is still 21. They ask people not to disturb the trees or the land. And the biggest reminder - don't bring in firewood from the outside. Firewood from other parts of the country may be contaminated with a form of invasive beetle that has been killing trees by the millions in other parts of the country. If people abide by that, park officials are expecting a great summer season.