Just in time for summer, list includes off-the-beaten path trails, kid-friendly parks, best wildlife spotting areas and more
SAN DIEGO, CA – June 22, 2011 – As the weather heats up, Americans daydream of sizzling barbeques, cool sea breezes and a much needed summer getaway. This year, ReserveAmerica, part of Active Network, and the largest provider of campsite reservations in North America, revealed a list of lesser-known campgrounds across the United States, from the peaks of Colorado to the lush forests of North Carolina, to help campers and families plan trips at great locations across America’s outdoors. Campers can easily view color photos and reserve space at these “Hidden Gems” campgrounds through ReserveAmerica or through the many state and national park web sites powered by Active Network.
"Last year, millions of Americans packed up their gear and explored one of the country’s parks," said Matt Ehrlichman, chief strategy officer at Active Network. “As the popularity of outdoor activities continues to grow, we hope this list of lesser known, but equally fantastic, campgrounds will help families find parks to explore using our convenient reservation tool.”
The list includes select camping spots across four different categories including off-the-beaten path, kid-friendly, best facilities and top wildlife spotting areas.
| California: | Columbia State Historic Park is designated as a National Historic Landmark District, and has been preserved to tell the story of the towns which arose during the California Gold Rush. Why we like it: Best Facilities. | |
| Colorado: | North Sterling State Park is a great place for anglers, boaters, hikers and water skiers. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. Larimer County: Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, located close to the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, features a wonderful swimming pool in the mountains. Why we like it: Best Facilities, Kid-Friendly. | |
| Connecticut: | Kettletown State Park features the cool waters of the Housatonic River. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| Delaware: | Trap Pond State Park features two island campsites with bald cypress and loblolly pines. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| Florida: | Cayo Costa State Park is a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida with swimming, snorkel, fishing or hiking the nature trails. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| Georgia: | Cloudland Canyon offers scenic, rugged geology and beautiful vistas, with hiking trails and two waterfalls. Why we like it: Kid-Friendly and Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| Louisiana: | Fontainebleau State Park features nostalgic, lakefront cabins. Why we like it: Best Facilities. | |
| Mass.: | Granville State Forest features bird watching, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path, Wildlife Spotting, Best Facilities, Kid-Friendly. | |
| Michigan: | Porcupine Wilderness features virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams. Why we like it: Best Facilities. | |
| Montana: | Hell Creek offers fantastic fishing and camping on Fort Peck Reservoir. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| Mississippi: | Paul B. Johnson State Park's New Splash Pad offers a 5,000 square-foot water play area with 37 sprays and water jets, including slides and water cannons. Why we like it: Kid-Friendly. | |
| N. Carolina: | Goose Creek State Park is recognized as one of the best bird watching areas. Why we like it: Wildlife Spotting. | |
| N. Hampshire: | Umbagog Lake State Park offers a beach area for swimming, excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and boating. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| New York: | Cranberry Lake is one of the largest remote lakes in the Adirondacks, with 50 miles of well-developed trails. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve and is perfect for the horseback riding enthusiast. Why we like it: Wildlife Spotting. Robert Moses State Park is home to a large variety of flora and fauna and offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. Why we like it: Best Facilities. | |
| Ohio: | Buck Creek features disc golf, hiking trails, a nature center and an excellent sand/ swimming beach. Why we like it: Best Facilities. | |
| Rhode Island: | East Beach Park offers three miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. | |
| S. Carolina: | Sadlers Creek State Park features a lakeside campground, fishing, picnicking, hiking, meeting facilities and boat access. Why we like it: Wildlife Spotting. | |
| S. Dakota: | Hartford Beach's Big Stone Lake offers camping and picnic areas nestled in the shade of a native forest. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path and Kid-Friendly. | |
| Utah: | Red Fleet is in the heart of Dinosaurland, a great place to discover footprints. Kid-friendly trails as well as a big lake for water sports. Why we like it: Kid-Friendly. | |
| Virginia: | Belle Isle State Park offers spacious campsites, in addition to boating and fishing. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path | |
| Wisconsin: | Hartman Creek State Park is perfect for canoeists and kayakers, off-road bikers and horseback riders. Why we like it: Off-the-Beaten Path. |
These Hidden Gems campgrounds are a perfect way to support the First Lady’s Let's Move Outdoors initiative which encourages families to engage in regular exercise and outdoor activity. Active Network and the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) recently launched a new Get Your Nature On Facebook application that provides inspiration, encouragement and resources to young people who commit to getting physically active outdoors this year. Families can log their hours spent in outdoor activities and earn online badges.
The Active Network, Inc.
The Active Network, Inc. is a leading provider of organization-based cloud computing applications serving diverse market segments including business events, community activities, outdoors and sports. Our technology platform, ActiveWorks™, transforms the way organizers manage their activities and events by automating online registrations and streamlining other critical management functions, while also driving consumer participation to their events. Our flagship media property, Active.com, is the leading online community for people who want to discover, participate in, and share activities about which they are passionate. Headquartered in San Diego, California since 1999, the company has over 25 offices worldwide. To learn more, visit us on the web: Corporate site: www.ActiveNetwork.com, consumer site: www.Active.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ActiveNetwork, http://twitter.com/#!/Active Facebook: www.facebook.com/active#!/ActivecomAbout
Media Contact:
Mona Klausing, Active Network
Mona.Klausing@activenetwork.com
858-964-3813
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