Providing affordable access to nature and recreation for all New York State residents is the reason State parks exist. However, starting in the 2022 season, access to affordable year-round camping will be eliminated at Allegany State Park, which is the largest state park in New York, and the third-largest in the nation. 

Rustic cabins will only be available from May 20th-October 29th each year.

Privately run cottages will be available, but the cost is $206.25, per night, or more than $800 per week, which is prohibitive to many people, and excludes people with disabilities from getting a discount on camping through the NYS Access Pass Program. This decision is elitist and ableist. It significantly reduces access to a great resource in our area to people with limited means, while not impacting those of greater means. 

There will be one cabin trail available, of 14 cabins will be available year round. However, these are the most expensive cabins in the park. They are not central to most park amenities, and 14 cabins are not sufficient to the demand for off-season camping. 

It is not acceptable.

Year-round rustic cabin camping must be restored, and another solution needs to be found to reduce the budget, if that is what is needed. Reducing access for disabled and other people of limited means is not an acceptable solution to New York State's budget crisis.