Starting Thursday, Alabama residents get an inside lane on booking advance reservations in state parks – provided they plan far enough ahead.

Effective Aug. 1, a new feature will open at the online reservation system operated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It’s called the “Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window.”

When users begin the process of booking a site via the reservation page at alapark.com, they’ll be asked to provide a ZIP code. Those with an Alabama ZIP code will be able to make reservations 13 months in advance, while those with an out-of-state ZIP will be limited to 12 months in advance. Verification is accomplished through the payment process: The ZIP code for the user’s credit card billing address must match the one given at the start of the reservation attempt.

For an example, the one-month advantage means that as of Aug. 1, Alabamians will be able to book campsites for Labor Day weekend 2025, which won’t yet be open to out-of-state campers.

“Alabamians consistently support our 21 State Parks, and this is a way we can show our appreciation,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said in a news release announcing the change. “Allowing Alabama residents to book earlier gives our neighbors expanded opportunities to stay, play and explore throughout our State Parks.”

According to that news release, “Some destinations, such as camping reservations at Cheaha State Park during peak fall foliage season, have sold out in a matter of hours a year in advance.” The new Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window gives residents an advantage when it comes to such high-demand reservations.

“In recent years, we have heard from Alabama residents inquiring about some form of reservation option that is unique to our state’s residents. With changes in our reservations system, we now have that technological capability and have made this happen,” State Parks Director Greg Lein said in the release. “We encourage guests to make reservations early and often through our Plan Your Adventure Online portal available on our website at alapark.com. We truly appreciate all the support Alabamians give our state parks.”

The advance reservation opportunity applies to RV, modern and primitive camping at all 21 state parks. For more information on them, visit alapark.com.