Pennsylvania state parks saw a 10% rise in visits, drawing millions from shuttered federal parks due to staffing cuts.

Pennsylvania state parks saw nearly 25 million visitors in summer 2024, driven by a surge in demand following federal staffing cuts that reduced operations at national parks. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported a 10% rise in reservations and a 60% increase near affected federal campgrounds, with campground bookings up 30%. Officials credited state park staff for maintaining access to outdoor recreation, as Pennsylvania’s 124 parks and forests remained free and open. The state launched the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” campaign to promote tourism, while the broader tourism sector generated $83.9 billion in economic impact and supported over 514,000 jobs in 2024.