The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced a new campground at Schodack Island State Park in Rensselaer County  – its first new tent-trailer accessible campground to be built by in 35 years – is now open for visitors. 

“The new campground is one of many new improvements taking place across the New York State Park system – thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “The campground will dramatically enhance Schodack Island State Park’s appeal to the anglers, hunters, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure in New York’s Hudson River Valley.”

The 67-site campground is serviced by two new bathroom/shower buildings. Forty-three sites offer 50-amp electrical hook-ups for trailers and recreational vehicles. New trail connections link the campground to the existing 8-mile multi-use trail network on both the Hudson River and Schodack Creek sides of the island. The campground is open for an extended season through Dec. 5, 2016 to cater to the many hunters and anglers who visit the park.

The $1.5 million project was funded by Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative. NY Parks 2020 is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The 2016-17 state budget includes $90 million toward this initiative.

Schodack Island State Park opened as a day-use facility in 2002, and is visited by 100,000 people annually – including numerous anglers and recreational boaters who enjoy the trailered Hudson River boat launch.  The 1,052-acre park sits off the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Albany. Approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline bound the park. The park has an improved bike trail, volleyball nets, horseshoe pit and a kayak/canoe launch site. Picnic tables and a large group picnic pavilion are available.

Camping reservations can be made on-line at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP. Fees for New York State residents are $15 to $19 per night for non-electric sites and $23 to $27 per night for sites with electrical hook-ups. There is a $5 nightly surcharge for out-of-state residents. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 65 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Note to Editors: Schodack Island’s first campers and staff will be available for interviews beginning late Friday afternoon and all through the weekend. Schodack Island State Park is located off Route 9J in Rensselaer County. The address is: 1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing, NY 12156