State Park Reservation System Up And Running

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Attention campers: the online reservation system at Minnesota's state parks is back up and running.

Heavy demand caused the online system to crash shortly after its launch on March 1.

Since then, the DNR's been working with its vendor to expand capacity.

Courtland Nelson, director of Parks and Trails, says his department is ready to meet the demand.

"I know we've tested the patience of a lot of people," he said. "But no resources were lost. No opportunities were taken. And we think we've provided a good level of fairness for people to get those reservations and get outside in Minnesota and see stuff."

Reservations are being accepted a year in advance.

There are 6,000 campsites at more than 70 state parks in Minnesota. A third of those sites are given out on a first come, first-served basis.