If you're dreaming of setting up your tent or camper at one of South Dakota's state parks next summer, you won't have to imagine what your reserved camping spot will look like anymore.

Just in time for the opening of 2008 reservations, campers can now view photos of state park campsites online at www.SDparks.info.

Looking for a spot close to the water? Or maybe you'd like a bit more shade? The photos and descriptions on the Web page will help you decide where you'd like to camp.

"Providing campsite photos will allow campers planning a vacation to see campsites before they make a reservation," said Elizabeth Ruen, public information officer with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department. "Each campsite photo lists the length and width of the site, as well as if the site has shade and electricity. In addition, this new Web page is also a one-stop shop for campground, walking, trail and disc golf course maps."

Although other states also offer photos of campsites online, Ruen said it was requests from park visitors that encouraged the GF&P to make this opportunity available in South Dakota. "We really listen to park visitors and what they would like," she said. "We took their suggestions and made it a reality."

Lodge and group reservations for 2008 began Nov. 1. Lodge reservations can be made for all of 2008, and reservations for group campsites will be taken until Feb.1. Reservations open for Custer State Park at 8 a.m. Jan. 2 for the entire reservation season, which runs from May 16 through Oct. 6. Reservations open for all the other South Dakota state parks at 6 a.m. Feb. 16.

Ruen said that campsite and picnic shelter reservations are accepted up to 90 days prior to arrival. The reservation season at most state parks is May 16 through Sept. 1, although Big Sioux, Custer, Newton Hills, Snake Creek, Lewis & Clark, Lake Herman, Walkers Point and Palisades accept reservations for arrival dates through Oct. 6. Cabins can be reserved year-round.

At most of South Dakota's state parks, a majority of the campsites are reserved. This is especially true on holidays and weekends, and Ruen encouraged early reservations. Any unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ruen said people choose certain campgrounds and sites for various reasons. Many choose a campground that is close to home, or one that offers an abundance of recreational opportunities and activities. "Some campers like to be near the lake or river, some prefer being close to the comfort station, while others like to be in close proximity to the playground equipment," she said.

To make a reservation, call 1-800-710-2267 or go to www.CampSD.com.

State parks by the numbers

n Parks: 12 state parks, 42 recreation areas, six nature areas, one historic prairie, 69 lakeside use areas, 10 marina/resorts.

n Water: 220 public water access areas, 291 boat ramps with 389 launching lanes.

n Park visitors: More than 7 million in 2006.

n Park campers: 222,270 in 2006.

n Ten most-visited state parks in 2006: Custer, Lewis and Clark, Oahe Downstream, Roy Lake, Angostura, Farm Island, Newton Hills, Snake Creek, North Point, Cow Creek.

n Acres: 103,113 (Custer State Park is the largest with 70,781 acres).

n At the parks: 3,819 campsites (764 non-electric, 3,055 electric), 118 cabins, five lodges, 4,549 picnic tables, 118 comfort stations, 26 fishing docks, 58 playgrounds, 59 beaches, 667 trail miles, 410 vault toilets, 16 visitor centers.

n Oldest state park: Custer State Park, 1919.

Source: www.sdgfp.info/Parks