Here's how to make camping reservations through the National Recreation Reservation Service, offering more than 49,500 camping facilities at 1,700 different locations managed by the USDA Forest Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Difficulty Level: Easy      Time Required: Variable (usually less than 15 minutes)

1. Log on to the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) web site at http://reserveusa.com/. 
    
   
2. Click on "Find/Reserve Camping"  button.
    
3. Click on the map to view the recreation areas/facilities available through the NRRS or choose from state list.
   
   
4. Use the zoom-in function to pinpoint locations of recreation areas/facilities or choose from the list below the map.
   
   
5. Read information about campground season, location, directions, and fees. Then click on map to view a list of camping areas.
    
6. Select campground site.
    
7. Returning customers enter user name and password; first-time customers create a new user profile.
   
   
8. Choose camping date/s, specify equipment, and indicate if you have discount passes.
    
9. Review reservation details and provide credit card information.
   
   
10. If you don't use the NRRS online reservation service, you can make reservations by calling:
    Reservation center: 1-877-444-6777
    TDD: 1-877-833-6777
    International: 518-885-3639

1. The web site offers round-the-clock access to the online reservation system. If you call the NRRS reservation center, hours  of operation are: April 1 through Labor Day, from 8:00 a.m. until midnight (EST); day after Labor Day through March 31, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (EST).
   
   
2. In addition to campsites, users of the system can reserve cabins, lookout towers, group shelters and other federal facilities. 
   
   
3. Individual campsites can be reserved up to 240 days in advance. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation before the scheduled arrival date. If you cancel your reservation after 6:00pm on the day of your scheduled arrival, you will forfeit the first night's use fee. If you do not arrive at the campground to fulfill your reservation, you will be assessed a $20.00 "No-Show" fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.