The State Parks and Recreation Department rolled out an online reservation system April 1. Then it sat back and watched.

Turns out, when people can phone in a reservation, or do it on their computer, they like the computer best.

Karen Assel, a park field manager, headed up development of the new online service.

She said 70 percent of the 3,000 reservations so far this year have been made online, a number that exceeds their expectations.

The remainder still goes through a call center, likely by an older population that either isn't comfortable with, or doesn't use, computers.

Marcy Blotsky of rural Mandan is a big fan of the online reservation system.

Her campsite is guaranteed and she no longer has to get over to Fort Lincoln State Park on Wednesday and set up to hold a spot for the weekend.

She booked five sites for two weekends for herself and family members and could see which campsites were open, whether they were adjacent and if the bathroom was nearby.

"It was awesome, easy and handy," Blotsky said. "I really liked it."

Assel said the number of reservations would be higher, but the new system limits campsite reservations to 90 days out from the present day's date. That limit is a year for park cabins and facilities.

Total reservations are up from last year, even with most of August and Labor Day weekend not available to reserve in the first rush to secure a spot. Call-center personnel use the same site.

Assel said people have been asking for online access for several years, but the Legislature didn't appropriate the money until 2007.

The department spent $160,000 at the state's information technology department to develop the online program. It will pay for itself and then some, over time.

Assel said the department paid a private call center $25,000 last year to handle reservations on a per-call fee. That will decrease significantly in proportion to the number of reservations made online.

About half the sites in 11 of the state's parks can be reserved. Those parks are Beaver Lake, Cross Ranch, Fort Abraham Lincoln, Ft. Ransom, Ft. Stevenson, Grahams Island, Icelandic, Lake Metigoshe, Lake Sakakawea, Lewis & Clark and Turtle River.

The online service doesn't include Little Missouri or Sully Creek state parks.

Assel said a volunteer campground host, a retired photographer, took pictures of every reservable site so that online users, like Blotsky, can see exactly what they'll be getting.

Assel said the online link up for parks and rec was "a huge step" and opens a lot of doorways.

Now, the department can post campground rules, sell any permits online and eventually add merchandise or other conveniences, like canoe and equipment rentals.

Parks across the state will officially open Friday. It will be another milestone day in the online system, when across the state, park staff matches folks at the gate with their daily reservation report.

"That'll be the first day when all of these reservations show up," Assel said.

Anyone who wants to make an online reservation, or just check out the service, can go to http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/.

(Reach reporter Lauren Donovan at 888-303-5511 or lauren@westriv.com.)