Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s state parks welcomed nearly 25 million visitors this summer, recording a 30 percent surge in campground reservations after federal closures shifted demand. Overall summer reservations were up 10 percent statewide — and up 60 percent near affected federal sites — thanks to the Shapiro Administration’s Still Open. Still Awesome. initiative to promote overnight stays in state parks.
“When the federal government closed campgrounds, Pennsylvania stepped up,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Thanks to the incredible work of our state park and forest teams, we kept the outdoors open, awesome, and accessible for all. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or looking to explore a trail, Pennsylvania’s public lands are ready and waiting to welcome you.”
With 124 state parks that are free and open to the public year-round, the Shapiro Administration is delivering affordable outdoor experiences for millions of families. As fall begins, residents and visitors are encouraged to plan trips through Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway — a campaign showcasing the Commonwealth’s public lands, vibrant foliage, and growing outdoor recreation economy.
From 2.2 million acres of forestland to more than 7,100 campsites, Pennsylvania offers accessible and memorable outdoor adventures for everyone. As DCNR marks its 30th anniversary this year, the Shapiro Administration remains focused on keeping public lands safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
After a closure for rehabilitation work, DCNR has temporarily reopened the Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds — one of the state’s top destinations for fall foliage to take in the leaf-viewing season. Additionally, weekly foliage reports from DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry begin September 25.
Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy and communities. These efforts are driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs across the Commonwealth.
Governor Shapiro has prioritized strengthening Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry. Since he took office, the industry has grown by 10 percent — adding $2 billion to the state’s economy, nearly 4,000 new jobs, and supporting more than 168,000 jobs overall. Today, outdoor recreation represents 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s GDP and delivers $9 billion in wages and salaries to Pennsylvanians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Building on his creation of the Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, Governor Shapiro and industry leaders recently announced new steps to help outdoor businesses grow and compete through investments in the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania (OBA PA). Anyone interested in learning more about the alliance can join a webinar on September 29 at noon.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about state parks, events, and outdoor recreation opportunities. To be the first to get the fall foliage reports follow DCNR on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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