Idaho launches new camping reservation system
ERIC WELCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Jan. 6 launch of the Idaho Time camping reservation system aims to respond to growing demand for campsites in recreation areas like Round Lake, Priest Lake, and Farragut state parks.
Photo courtesy Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation launched a new platform for reserving campsites Monday that aims to manage growing demand at public campgrounds.
The system, known as Idaho Time, includes a fluctuating price model in which reservation costs at state campsites may drop for low-demand dates and rise when demand is high. The platform also provides additional content about facilities, features, options and availability.
To prevent the new system from being overloaded, IDPR is introducing the platform with a staggered start. The initial release Jan. 6 included the months of January through May; more dates throughout the summer and fall will be added each following day through Jan. 11.
In a Jan. 3 press release, IDPR said customers visiting the site during the launch week may encounter high traffic and be placed in a waiting room. Reservations are not secured until a payment is made, and website visitors can only secure three reservations before returning to the back of the queue and waiting for another space to become available.
According to IDPR, booking by phone is still available, but making reservations through the website is a faster way to secure high-demand locations and dates.
In its 2025-2028 strategic plan published in July 2024, IDPR described an ongoing “surge” in park visitation since 2020, and stated the department is under strain to meet current demand.
In the plan, the department outlined an intent to develop at least 300 new overnight camping sites over the next three years and to collaborate with landowners to create “State Park Partner Campgrounds” designed to support existing campgrounds and meet the growing demand for recreation in Idaho.
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