DEM Unveils New App for State Beaches, Campgrounds

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces the availability of an advanced Rhode Island State Parks mobile application for Apple and Google Android devices.

Rhode Island’s state parks system is the first in the country to offer the Pocket Ranger Mobile Tour Guide, which was professionally created by ParksbyNature Network of New York in conjunction with DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation. 

Users are given the option to download the free Lite version or the enhanced Pro GPS version of the app for the Apple iPhone and Android smartphones. 

Last fall, DEM made the Lite version of the mobile app available to parks users through the DEM Web site. This basic version allows visitors to find a state park by location or activity.

Through the app’s social networking feature, patrons can easily post their photos and share them with family and friends. Visitors can also make campground reservations directly through the app and obtain information on weather conditions, operational times, calendar events and a park history for each facility.

The mobile tour guide can be downloaded from the iTunes Store and Android’s Market, or directly at StateParkApps.com. Additional details are available on DEM’s park Web site at www.riparks.com. 

There is no charge for the Lite version, and the Pro GPS version is available for a one-time charge of $3.99. A portion of the money collected from each upgrade is returned to the state parks system. 

For more information, call Bob Paquette, chief of DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation, at (401) 222-2632.