Occupancy rates in provincial camping parks increased by approximately eight per cent in 2010, with 63,060 nights registered at campsites during the season. In 2009, there were 58,540 campsite nights registered. The 2010 season also saw a 25 per cent increase in the use of the campsite reservation service, which allows the option of booking online, or by calling toll-free 1-877-214-CAMP (2267).

"Our parks renewal strategy, which helped us to make significant investments in our provincial parks, has been positively received by the camping public and has, undoubtedly, contributed to our increased occupancy rates," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "The increase in service, combined with the second year of the For the Love of NL resident marketing campaign introduced by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, has resulted in another year of growth in campground occupancies."

Electrical services were added to select campsites in five provincial parks in the 2010 season: Dildo Run, Frenchman's Cove, J.T. Cheeseman, La Manche and Notre Dame.

Although provincial campgrounds are now closed for camping purposes, hiking is still permitted in provincial camping parks.

"We are pleased to see that people are taking advantage of camping opportunities within our provincial parks, and getting out to see all that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "Meanwhile, as we move from the peak tourism season, into the fall, we encourage residents to continue to travel within the province and support our local tourism operators in both rural and urban areas."

Newfoundland and Labrador's system of provincial parks and natural areas currently consists of a total of 32 provincial parks, including 13 camping parks, seven day-use parks, the T'Railway Provincial Park, 10 park reserves, one waterway provincial park and 20 natural areas, including two wilderness reserves and 18 ecological reserves. These areas protect significant natural features of the province, while also providing outdoor recreation, education and research opportunities.