Campers and RVers headed south in the new year can reserve a camping spot or cabin through a centralized call center that started booking for the Florida state park system last month. The old method–booking directly through the parks–has been replaced by the new method using a private operator.
The number to call: 800-326-3521, everyday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. Travelers can make reservations from two days to 11 months before their arrival.
The new Florida service, operated by a recreational reservations company called ReserveAmerica, permits campers to book at more than one of the state’s 50 parks with campsites on the same call. Callers make their arrangements through reservations agents. The company also plans to offer online bookings for Florida parks at www.reserveamerica.com.
The convenience of centralized booking comes at a price. Although campers do not pay extra for the booking service, credit cards are charged immediately for the full cost of the stay, and an $8.50 transfer fee will be applied for changes made in dates, sites or parks. Furthermore, there will be a $10 fee when reservations are canceled prior to the day of arrival.
Park fees and descriptions can be found online through www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/information/campingfaq.htm or by calling 850-488-9872.
Those who don’t like the changes have an option: The state’s parks hold back 10 percent of their spaces for “walk-ins,” and if there is space available campers can avoid the new system.
