The provincial parks, and the designated number of campsites, scheduled to open on May 13 are Barachois Pond (150); Butter Pot (175); Frenchman's Cove (76); La Manche (68); Lockston Path (57); Notre Dame (100); and J.T. Cheeseman (92).

"Our provincial park system offers residents and visitors an opportunity to explore some of the most pristine natural beauty found anywhere in the world," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "The natural wonders of our provincial parks, wilderness and ecological reserves allow patrons an experience for which Newfoundland and Labrador has become renowned. We are doing our part to ensure that the amenities we offer at our facilities add to this experience."

The Provincial Government is continuing to upgrade campgrounds in 2009 with the addition of comfort stations in Sir Richard Squires Memorial and Pinware River provincial parks. Electrical services have also been added to some campsites within Notre Dame, Dildo Run and La Manche provincial parks, and campground expansions have taken place at La Manche and Sandbanks provincial parks.

"As part of our ongoing capital investment of $4 million over four years into our parks system, we are continuing to make improvements to enhance the camping experience and we now offer many upgraded services to our park patrons," said Minister Johnson. "From booking a site to spending a night at one of our parks, we want residents and visitors to thoroughly enjoy their time in our great outdoors."

The parks reservation system, introduced in the 2007 season, facilitated more than 8,400 reservations in the 2008 season. It is scheduled to launch as follows:

May 1 - Notre Dame, Blow Me Down, Frenchman's Cove and Pinware River provincial parks.

May 3 - Barachois Pond, La Manche, Lockston Path, J. T. Cheeseman and Sir Richard Squires Memorial provincial parks.

May 5 - Butter Pot, Dildo Run, Pistolet Bay and Sandbanks provincial parks.