This Land, Your Land

The state Parks and Recreation Division is experiencing "unexpected problems with Internet connectivity at entrance stations" and therefore cannot take reservations for the next eight days - July 15 to 22 - at three parks with some of the system's most popular campgrounds: Kerr Lake, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake state recreation areas.

"This 'blackout' period for reservations will prevent double-booking and ensure there are no unreasonable delays for visitors at the entrance stations," the Division says in an alert. The state parks Web site will be updated when full reservations service resumes, it says.

The internet-based reservations system was launched in April, allowing reservations for nearly 3,000 campsites as well as picnic shelters, cabins, community buildings and other facilities at state parks on July 15 and thereafter. Reservations for most facilities can be made up to 11 months ahead. There is a $3 surcharge per night's stay or per reservation to support the system.

The system is available online at each park's page on the state parks Web site - www.ncparks.gov - and by phone at 877-7-CAMPNC or 877-722-6762.