Mar. 14--ALBANY -- In tough economic times, more people are turning to state campsites for an inexpensive summer vacation.

Advance reservations are up 6 percent statewide, and more than double that at campgrounds in the Capital Region, according to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

More people want to camp despite the recent increase in campsite fees -- from $16 to $19 a night on weekends, and from $13 to $15 a night on weekdays. Cabin rentals fees increased 15 percent.

"State parks are an attractive option for people looking to get away without having to spend a lot," said parks Commissioner Carol Ash on Friday.

Increasing interest in camping comes as unemployment in the region keeps rising. In January, the unemployment rate spiked to 7.1 percent, up from 5.1 percent a year earlier. State employment officials have said there are three unemployed people for every job opening.

In the state parks, there have been 45,300 advance reservations for campsites, cabins and cottages for this summer, which is up about 2,650 from the same time last year.

Reservations are up 13 percent over last year at campgrounds in the Capital Region, which include Moreau Lake, Thompson's Lake, Cherry Plain and Max V. Shaul state parks.

Campground reservations surged last year as well, possibly fueled by motorists stung by higher gas prices. There were about 4,000 extra reservations at the start of the 2008 season. "We've kept that increase and added more to it this year," said parks spokesman Dan Keefe.

The state parks department oversees 67 campgrounds with more than 8,000 campsites, 800 cabins and 41 vacation rentals. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 456-CAMP or online through http://www.nysparks.com.

Brian Nearing can be reached at 454-5094 or by e-mail at bnearing@timesunion.com.

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