Montauk Pioneer - March 27, 2009

When it comes to camping in Montauk, the best place to go is the Hither Hills State Park Camp Grounds located on the Atlantic Ocean on the foot of Montauk off of Old Montauk Highway. Hither Hills has always been a very tough campground to get a reservation. The campground is a kid's paradise. Besides softball games on the softball fields, there is a volleyball court and a children's playground. Other programs sponsored by the park consist of square dancing, movies, arts and crafts, a small library and a weekly sandcastle sculpture contest. Lifeguards protect the beautiful ocean beach. State Park Commissioner Carol Ash reportedly said, "In this struggling economy, state parks are an attractive option for people looking to get away without having to spend a lot."

And even with the basic park fees being raised from $13 to $15, reservations are at a record pace all across the state. Hither Hills State Park, located on Old Montauk Highway off of Route 27 in Montauk consists of 1,755 acres. The park has 165 campsites, all just a short 9 iron from the surf. There are families that have been camping there for three or four generations. With the ocean, the sand dunes and the wildlife on 1,755 acres, Hither Hills campground is truly one of the best in New York. Campsites are available from early April to mid-November. They are booked for one week and start either on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. To book a campsite you must call 1-800-456-CAMP. But call early, like nine to ten months prior to your arrival, because this is the highest in demand campsite in the New York State Parks camping system. Tom Dess, manager of the Montauk state parks reportedly said, "We're instantly sold out for the summer so these reservations are for May and June and September and October. Most people are staying closer to home and using less gas when they travel."

Is this what will happen in general this summer? Could it be possible that more car travelers will mean more tourism than ever?

This is a state -wide phenomenon. Figures released by the Commissioner Ash's office state that on Long Island, the overall increase for the three state campgrounds is up a minimum 6 percent so far this year - on top of a 10-percent rise the previous year. At Hither Hills in Montauk due to the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, bookings are up 8 percent. Last year the bookings rose from 2,923 last year to 3,157. With the ocean breeze cooling off a hot day and the sun setting, along with the smell of 165 campsites cooking dinner, it is quite an event. Steaks, hot dogs, hamburgers, fish, chicken, lamb, pork, and ribs simmering over all types of grills sends scents into the air that makes you feel like you are at a big time tailgate event at Giant's Stadium. There is not a single child who isn't smiling and truly in heaven on earth at the campground. It is the ultimate family adventure for the thousands who have flocked to Montauk to camp at Hither Hills.

By the way, when picking a campsite, there is a well known secret that you should try to get a campsite close to the bathrooms, but not too close. In just a few weeks, the camp ground will be open for the 2009 season, so as you're driving down the Old Montauk Highway heading east and the smell of barbecue hits your nose, you will know that you are heading in the right direction.