ST. PAUL — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced this week that the window for making camping and lodging reservations will be shortened to 120 days in advance.
Previously, the window for reserving campsites, cabins, yurt and other lodging had been up to one year in advance.
This change goes into effect on July 1, though reservations made before this date will be honored. If a camper needs to reschedule a previously made reservation, the rebooking must be made within the new 120-day window.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, the policy change is based on customer survey results, data analysis and a desire to improve fairness and equity in the reservation process..
"As our lives have become busier, it's more difficult for people to plan vacations a whole year in advance. Shortening the reservation window will better accommodate visitors' busy schedules and allow more people to enjoy the most desirable campsites and lodging," said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen in the news release announcing the change.
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DNR surveys indicated that most visitors plan their overnight visits to parks and recreation areas a few months before they go and that many could not plan an entire year in advance.
The agency had planned to put this change into effect in the fall of 2020, but advanced it because of the pandemic and associated cleaning protocol.
For more information visit the DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us , contact the information center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or call 888-646-6367.
