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Alabama residents will soon be able to make reservations for traditional campground accommodations (RV, modern, and primitive camping) at Alabama State Parks a month earlier than other travelers.

Beginning Aug. 1, 2024, Alabama residents will be able to make online reservations 13 months in advance, a month before out-of-state residents. Known as the “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window,” Alabamians will have greater flexibility in pricing, location and date options.

“Alabamians consistently support our 21 State Parks, and this is a way we can show our appreciation,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “Allowing Alabama residents to book earlier gives our neighbors expanded opportunities to stay, play and explore throughout our State Parks.”

Alabamians, for instance, will be able to book Labor Day 2025 as early as Aug. 1 through early access. Some destinations, such as camping reservations at Cheaha State Park during peak fall foliage season, have sold out in a matter of hours a year in advance. The new “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window” should make it easier for residents to secure such high-demand reservations.

Reservations can be made online through the Plan Your Adventure Online portal at alapark.com. When users access the online reservation system, they will be prompted to provide a zip code. Those with an Alabama zip code will be allowed to make reservations 13 months in advance, and users from out-of-state zip codes will continue to be allowed to make reservations 12 months in advance.

When an Alabama resident completes the online booking, the zip code attached to the credit card for the reservation must match the Alabama zip code that was originally provided. The necessity to enter a zip code at the beginning and end of the transaction is a new but needed security feature to ensure that only Alabama residents utilize the 13-month booking window.

“In recent years, we have heard from Alabama residents inquiring about some form of reservation option that is unique to our state’s residents. With changes in our reservations system, we now have that technological capability and have made this happen,” State Parks Director Greg Lein said. “We encourage guests to make reservations early and often through our Plan Your Adventure Online portal available on our website at alapark.com. We truly appreciate all the support Alabamians give our State Parks.” 

Whether guests come to enjoy a day on the trails or weeks of scenic park views, the Alabama State Parks system offers park-specific events, interpretive programming, rest, relaxation, and adventure. Park leadership encourages guests to plan ahead at alapark.com for the most flexible dates, rates, and location opportunities at Alabama’s 21 state parks.

About Alabama’s State Parks System

The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants, interpretative programming and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.