The number of camping and lodging reservations made between 8 a.m. and midnight Tuesday was a new record high, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). On Tuesday, July 26, the first day the reservation system was open following the government shutdown, some 4,140 reservations were made for a total of 11,489 nights of camping and lodging.

They had 162 reservations in the first five minutes.

Approximately three-fourths of the reservations made yesterday were for overnight stays in 2011, the rest were for 2012. The highest number of reservations were for Itasca (379 reservations), Lake Carlos (278), Wild River (169), Sibley (167) and Bear Head Lake (160) state parks. Others with more than 100 reservations included Temperance River, Tettegouche, Jay Cooke, Gooseberry Falls, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Whitewater, Split Rock Lighthouse, William O’Brien, McCarthy Beach and Father Hennepin state parks.

All but two of the 74 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas have reopened following the shutdown. Camden and St. Croix state parks remain closed due to extensive storm damage.

Due to the high call volume the reservation system has been experiencing since yesterday, the DNR recommends making reservations online at stayatmnparks.com, if possible. For those who prefer to speak with an operator, reservations can be made at 866-857-2757.

“Reservations are recommended but not essential,” Anderson said. “Up to thirty percent of campsites at Minnesota state parks are non-reservable and available to campers on a first-come, first-served basis.”