AUGUSTA – The snow keeps piling up in Maine, but camping enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to the warmer months.

State parks officials say reservations at public campgrounds are at an all-time high. Through Feb. 28, 3,697 requests had been processed for a total of 19,105 camping nights.

Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan says that over the last five years there’s been a consistent increase in early reservations. Last year, the state hosted visitors for more than 229,000 camping nights.

McGowan thinks more New Englanders may vacation closer to home because of high gas prices. Thus he says the number of campers could keep on rising.