Some 2,000 campsites, cabins and picnic shelters in Maryland's state forests and parks can be rented up to a year in advance through a new telephone reservation system administered by the Department of Natural Resources.
The State Forest and Park Service estimates more than 10 million people use its 35 family or youth camping facilities each year.
The telephone reservation service (888-432-2267) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Warmer temperatures are just around the corner, and we encourage all Marylanders to discover the beauty of our natural resources," DNR secretary John R. Griffin said when the service was activated earlier this month.
"For example, with one call a family can plan a mountain-biking weekend by reserving a campsite at Gambrill State Park in Frederick County and plan their annual reunion by reserving a pavilion at Martinak State Park in Caroline County."
For campers who are visiting a park or forest for the first time, operators will be able to help choose the most appropriate site.
Experienced campers who have favorite sites will be able to request them, and if those are unavailable, will be offered comparable sites nearby.
In the past, reservations were made by contacting the headquarters for each facility during business hours. Now, with one phone call and a credit card, campers can set up trips for an entire season.
Walk-in customers still will be able to request any non-reserved site.
There are more than 1,800 campsites, 50 cabins and 100 picnic shelters in the reservation directory, according to DNR.
Youth group camping passes are not available through the reservation system. Youth groups should call SFPS headquarters at 800-830-3974. Information on rates and services also is available by telephone at the headquarters number.
Reservations may be made online at www.md.campnow.com starting this spring.
Camping and reservation service charges must be paid in advance. Callers will receive reservation numbers for confirmation and check-in.
Campground openings
Southern region: Family camping -- Point Lookout SP, open year-round; Smallwood SP, April 9; Cedarville SP, April 2.
Youth group camping -- Cedarville, Sandy Point SP, Severn Run, Smallwood, open year-round; Calvert Cliffs SP, April 2; Point Lookout, March 27.
Central Region: Family camping -- Elk Neck SP, open year-round; Elk Neck cabins, May 7; Susquehanna SP, April 30; Patapsco Valley SP, April 2.
Youth group camping -- Elk Neck SP, April 2.
Eastern Region: Family camping -- Assateague SP, April 1; Pocomoke River SP (Milburn Landing, April 1; Pocomoke River SP (Shad Landing), open year-round; Tuckahoe SP, March 26; Martinak SP, March 26; Janes Island SP, March 29.
Youth group camping -- Wye Island, open year-round.
Western Region: Family camping -- Fort Frederick SP, Deep Creek Lake SP, Greenbrier SP, New Germany SP, Cunningham Falls SP, Swallow Falls SP, Rocky Gap SP, April 2; Gambrill SP, Savage River SF, Potomac-Garrett SP, Big Run SP, Green Ridge SF, open year-round.
Youth group camping -- Washington Monument SP, April 2.
Pub Date: 3/07/99