Montana proposes campsite reservation system

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Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to implement a campsite reservation system in up to 21 state parks. Comments must be submitted via e-mail or postal mail by 5 p.m. May 18.

Currently, all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis statewide. The proposed system would allow reservations to be made online or via telephone. It would not require that a camper make a reservation. Some campsites in each park would remain on a first-come, first-served basis for those campers who prefer to be more spontaneous.

Comments should be e-mailed to: CampReservations@mt.gov; or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Campsite Reservations, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

“This is the top public service request that we receive,” said Chas Van Genderen, state parks administrator. “Judging from the hundreds of telephone calls and other forms of inquiries each year, the camping public fully expects the ability to plan ahead with the peace of mind of knowing exactly where they’ll be staying when they camp.”

For more information and to read the environmental analysis of the proposal, vist www.fwp.mt.gov. Look under state parks for Campsite Reservation Proposal.