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State parks set all-time camping record

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands announced that a record number of visitors camped in Maine state parks in 2018, included are Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft and Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead Lake. Through September 255,553 campers have been recorded, breaking the previous all-time camping record of 254,789 set in 2016. A final camping total will not be complete until after Dec. 31.

Since 2010, separate attendance records (day-use, camping, and total attendance) have been broken and re-broken eight times amidst a surge in park popularity. Total 2018 state park attendance through Sept. is 11 percent higher than the same period last year, due to favorable weather, increased publicity, and Gov. Paul R. LePage’s Resident Fee Holiday (Aug. 11-Sept. 3).

“Maine State Parks’ attendance continues to grow at a record pace and just set the all-time camping record,” said Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “This is a healthy trend for Maine and the people and families who are enjoying the Maine outdoors. The growing success and popularity of year-round Maine State Park offerings and programs, favorable weather conditions, and our efforts to generate greater public awareness about Maine’s outdoor recreational opportunities are all contributing factors.”

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