justnorth posted on April 18, 2007 07:55 :: 1348 Views
With the summer holidays right around the corner, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says there is still time for people to make their camping and lodging reservations at Minnesota state parks.
According to Courtland Nelson, direction of the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation, camping and lodging reservations at many of the busiest state parks already are booked for Memorial Weekend, but for those who haven't made plans yet, it's not too late.
"Cabins and campsites at some parks are still available," said Nelson. "Lodging reservations can be made up to a year in advance. Campsites in state parks and state recreation areas can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. For Memorial Weekend, as soon as campsite reservations became available in February, telephone and online reservations began pouring in."
Nelson suggested people check for availability and cancellations online. He also noted that up to a third of campsites in state parks are kept available on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Memorial Weekend is traditionally our busiest of the year at state parks," said Nelson, "followed by Fourth of July and Labor Day. Reservations can be made now for Fourth of July camping. Those planning ahead for Labor Day Weekend can make reservations for a Friday arrival beginning June 1."
For schedule of advance booking dates for camping, select the "90-Day Window" on the reservation Web site at
www.stayatmnparks.com or contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888MINNDNR (646-6367).
Lodging and camping reservations are made through a centralized reservation service. Reservations can be made by calling toll-free 1-866-85PARKS (1-866-857-2757) anytime between 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CDT. Online reservations can be made at
www.stayatmnparks.com 24-hours-a-day except for the first day a site becomes available.
On that first day, reservations cannot be made before 8 a.m. The reservation fee is $8.50 and is nonrefundable. Camping and lodging reservation information is available online at
www.dnr.state.mn.us.
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