May 16, 2001

BARD ANNOUNCES STATE PARKS RESERVATION SYSTEM

Campers, hikers and other fans of the great outdoors who are interested in a cabin or campsite in one of Pennsylvania's 116 state parks can call a toll -free telephone number to make reservations,  Rep. Ellen Bard said today.

Callers may make reservations for a campsite, cabin, picnic pavilion or organized group tenting area  by calling toll-free 888-PA-PARKS.

     The caller center operates from 7am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and also provides general information on state parks.  Fees may be charged for campsites and other facilities.  The call center accepts VISA and Mastercard as well as checks  and money orders.

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.  For visitors planning a quick state park vacation, reservations for a cabin, picnic pavillion or group tenting can be made within two days of arrival.  Campsite reservations can be made until noon of the day of arrival.

  The state park system features 282,000 acres of unspoiled land with 7,000 campsites, 300 picnic pavillions and 286 rustic and modern cabins.