NEWCOMB – The state Department of Environmental Conservation says campers using sites in the Essex Chain Lakes will no longer need to make reservations.

Starting on Monday, the 11 campsites will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. People wishing to use the sites will still need to fill out a permit at the Deer Pond parking area so DEC can keep track of site use.

No campfires are allowed at the 11 waterfront sites, but 19 other sites in the area do allow fires. Anyone camping for more than three nights or with a group of 10 or more will still need to get a free camping permit from a forest ranger.

Essex Chain Lakes is one of the first former Finch, Pruyn timberland tracts the state bought from the Nature Conservancy in 2012. The state opened the Essex Chain to the public in July 2014.

More information is on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/91888.html.