If you're hoping to camp at a state park in 2010, you might want to start planning now.
Already, more than 1,300 campsites, picnic shelters and recreation facilities have been booked for next year through the state's new Internet- and call center-based reservation services.
The new system was launched in July, making it easier for people to reserve spots up to 11 months in advance at any park. Reservations can be made for stays as short as one night or as long as two weeks.
The new system should eliminate what used to be long lines starting New Year's Day at popular parks such as Kerr, Jordan and Falls lakes. Under the old system, about 2,000 campsites could only be reserved by paying in person at the park or taking the chance on the U.S. Postal Service. Visitors were permitted to reserve spots only up to a week in duration.
At many campsites and picnic shelters, no advance reservation is required, and some parks set aside areas for walk-in registration. But the popular sites are booked early.
The new system has taken the hassle out of making reservations, said Charlie Peek, spokesman with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Plenty of space is still available at state parks, Peek said, but "the later you wait, you won't get that choice waterfront spot on Memorial Day weekend."
Last year, 12.8 million people visited 38 state parks and recreation areas across North Carolina.
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To reserve a spot at a state park, go to the Web site at www.ncparks.gov or call the toll-free reservation center at 1-877-7-CAMP-NC. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
