Hot Topics    

Snap a photo for the 2022 Outdoor Photo Contest



Enter your best photo today

Enter your best photo today


DEC and NewYork State Parks announced the launch of the 2022 Outdoor Photo Contest to highlight the best of New York's natural beauty and special destinations among the state's campgrounds and parks. The online contest runs through mid-October, with the winning images to be featured in statewide digital and print campaigns. A grand prize winner will be selected along with six individual category winners. Learn more about the photo contest categories and submissions.

Prizes are awarded in six categories:

Photographs taken in other locations not managed by New York State Parks do not qualify.

Camping Life – From cozy bonfires to four-star outdoor dining, tents to campers, string lights to welcome mats, show us your clan’s unique camping style, and personal flair.

Seasonal Spectacular – New York State is beautiful year-round, so send us your images that showcase endless summer, fall foliage, winter wonderlands, or spring fever.

Action & Adventure – Capture the best of you and your ‘squad’ in action, whether on the water, at the beach, on the trail, on the playing fields, along the bike paths, on the links, or wherever you play hard in the parks.

Hiking – We love to see park visitors of all ages and abilities enjoying the trails. Pix of leashed, four-legged companions welcome too!

Views & Vistas – The Empire State is brimming with jaw-dropping, heart-stopping views. Capture and share some of these breathtaking natural settings.

Making Memories – First steps, learning to swim, fish tales, family bonding, old friends, new friends, marriage proposals, and more! Share your milestones and special memories.

Prizes are: One (1) grand prize consisting of $1,000 REI gift card, one (1) 4-person tent, one (1) 2023 Empire Pass, and one (1) $250 NY camping gift card. The approximate aggregate value of the grand prize is one thousand eight hundred and thirty dollars. ($1,830).

Six (6) category prize packages (one winner selected from each category below) consisting of one (1) $250 REI gift card, one (1) 2023 Empire Pass, and one (1) $100 NY camping gift card. The approximate aggregate value of the category prize is four hundred and thirty dollars. ($430).

Click here to submit your entry.

Find the best places to take photos here



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • 5 garage safety tips

    Make sure everything is secure and functioning properly

    When you throw open the windows, you’ll likely be spending more time with the garage door open, too. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the warmer months. read more »
  • 7 vegetables to grow easily in your home garden

    All you need is a little time and effort

    Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. read more »
  • 7 budget-friendly gardening hacks

    Tricks to help you create a cost-effective garden

    Gardening can be a simple way to beautify your yard, relieve stress and save money on your grocery bill, but like any hobby, you can get carried away buying necessary equipment. read more »
  • 2023 I Love My Parks Day Events

    Volunteer with your family to clean up a local state park

    I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to enhance and celebrate New York's amazing parkland. read more »
  • Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushroom caps

    Simple, easy and delicious

    Bringing an element of elegance to your holiday celebration is easy when you start with party-pleasing ingredients, and great tasting food often starts with dairy. read more »
  • Parmesan crusted chicken

    Super easy to make

    Not only is this Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish delicious, it is super simple to make. read more »
  • 5 resilient flooring trends for spring remodeling season

    Spruce up your home this spring

    If the idea of a spring remodel brings equal parts intrigue and dread, starting with your flooring can make the process more appealing. For example, sustainable, resilient flooring comes in a variety of options to both your budget and personal style. read more »
  • Tips on navigating moving and storage scams

    New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Releases Guide

    the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection announced the release of a comprehensive guide that provides consumers with important tips to avoid moving and storage company scams. read more »
  • Top tips to win a college scholarship

    Creative ideas to help your student out

    More than half of American families used scholarships to pay for college last year. From merit-based to artistic-focused, there are a variety of awards available. read more »
  • Understanding maternal health and hypertension

    7 tips for a heart-healthy pregnancy

    A common misconception is high blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, rarely affects women. However, nearly half of all adults with HBP are women. read more »