DNR's online reservations up and running

The relaunch of Minnesota's new online system for reserving state camping and lodging facilities worked Thursday -- and officials are hoping the glitches have been ironed out.

The new system crashed three weeks ago because of heavy demand.

"We're quietly pleased with the way things went," said Courtland Nelson, Department of Natural Resources parks and trails division director.

The DNR averaged 100 to 130 visitors per hour, and took about 125 reservations, "which isn't many," Nelson said. "But we achieved a successful launch."

The system, operated by US eDirect of New York, had been tested before its ill-fated March 1 start-up, but problems erupted when a large number of people tried to get in at the same time in the first moments.

The online reservation option had been offline since Dec. 27 while the "state-of-the-art" system from US eDirect, a new provider, was installed. The upgrade is being touted as more robust with more user-friendly features.

Though officials said they believe the system can handle peak demands now, the do-over is being rolled out in stages. Reservations made Friday through Sunday can only be made for arrivals through May 12.

• Monday: Arrivals through June 2.

• March 27: Arrivals through June 30.

• March 28: Arrivals through July 21.

• March 29: Arrivals through Aug. 11.

•March 30-April 1: Arrivals through Sept. 2.

The state takes 90,000 to 95,000 reservations each year for about 3,500 campsites, camper cabins, tepees, guesthouses and lodges at its 75 parks. Up to 30 percent of the campsites in the parks and recreation areas can be rented only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations can be made online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 1-866-857-2757.

From Friday to April 2, call center hours will be 8 a.m. to midnight. From April 3 to Oct. 31, calls will be taken 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (except holidays).