As warmer weather approaches, state officials are reporting a surge in reservations for campsites in state parks and forests.

According to an article in Tuesday’s Sun-Gazette, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeing a nearly 30% increase compared to last year.

We can’t say that we find the increase surprising — Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests are some of its under-appreciated gems.

Pennsylvania offers residents and visitors 124 state parks, encompassing more than 300,000 acres. The parks offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities — swimming, boating, sightseeing and hiking among them.

We hope families in our region find the time this summer — and in future summers — to enjoy our parks and forests for themselves. Visits to state parks are an excellent way to instill in children the importance of nature — of understanding the role woodlands and habitats play in the health of our wildlife. Some of our state parks can offer an appreciation of our state’s rich history as well.

Beyond that, hiking and camping are excellent ways to get fresh air and exercise — to keep children and, really, people of all ages active.

As more and more people are discovering, Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests simply make life in our state better.