The state Department of Environmental Conservation's campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open Friday for the summer camping season.

Campsite reservations have increased more than 15 percent over last year. The department operates 52 campgrounds and seven day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. Camping season runs through Labor Day, but some facilities remain open during fall foliage and hunting season.

DEC asks campers to not bring firewood to campgrounds or parks from other places to limit the spread of invasive insect species and improve forest health.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, see www.dec.ny.gov and click on the camping link under the outdoor recreation section on the left or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at (518) 457-2500.