HAMLIN, N.Y. — If you’ve tried to book a spot at one of New York’s campsites, you probably learned pretty quickly that you have to plan ahead. Campgrounds at most New York State Parks have been packed since the pandemic, as more families trade expensive vacations for stays closer to home to save a buck or two on gas.

What You Need To Know

Hamlin Beach State Park says camping reservations are at 90-100% capacity nearly every weekend this summer

New York State Parks say camping reservations can be made up to nine months in advance

NYS has more than 115 public campgrounds

You don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to get away anymore. Sometimes all it takes is a 45-minute drive. That’s how far Joe Machia and his family traveled to find the perfect spot to spend the week at Hamlin Beach State Park.

“We go up the Adirondacks sometimes, but mostly around here. We go to Watkins Glen and Sampson State Park. It’s just easier, and the gas prices are up there now, and it is not cheap to tow one of these,” said Machia, from Macedon. “It’s a great time and it gets you out in nature.”

Park ranger Wayne Beyer says campgrounds have become some of the hottest destinations for affordable getaways. Hamlin Beach State Park has seen camping reservations climb year after year. Most weekends, every campsite is spoken for.

“We are always within 90-99% occupancy, so I recommend making your reservations early. Once the campers show up, it’s an absolute joy. A lot of the same families come year after year to enjoy the campground,” said Beyer.

For Carmon Hendrickson, no one is left behind when it comes to vacation time, even her cat, “Squeaky Von Squeaker.” Camping isn’t so much about getting away from home for her, it’s about coming home. She grew up in this area before moving to Florida.

“I went to high school in Spencerport and went to college in Brockport and had friends whose summer jobs were all here at Hamlin Beach State Park. So, we are just back seeing old friends and having a great time,” said Hendrickson.

For more close-to-home getaways around the state, check out New York State Parks Reserve America and I Love New York.