Alabama Residents Gain Early Access to State Park Reservations
By Sheila Duncan
Reporter
Alabama residents will soon have the advantage of making reservations for traditional campground accommodations (RV, modern, and primitive camping) at Alabama State Parks a month earlier than other travelers.
Starting August 1, 2024, Alabamians can make online reservations 13 months in advance, a month before out-of-state residents. This initiative, termed the “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window,” offers state residents 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.”
For example, Alabamians will be able to book Labor Day 2025 as early as August 1, 2024. Destinations like Cheaha State Park, known for its peak fall foliage season, have seen reservations sell out within hours a year in advance. The new advanced reservation window aims to make it easier for residents to secure such high-demand bookings.
Reservations can be made online through the Plan Your Adventure Online portal at alapark.com. Users will be prompted to provide a zip code when accessing the online reservation system. Alabama zip codes will enable residents to make reservations 13 months in advance, while out-of-state zip codes will allow reservations 12 months in advance.
To ensure that only Alabama residents use the 13-month booking window, the zip code attached to the credit card for the reservation must match the Alabama zip code provided at the start. This added security feature helps maintain the exclusivity of the early booking privilege for state residents.
“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 for 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.
(source Montgomery Alaparks)
