PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 2, 2009 - Reserving a free campsite on District lands is now as simple as clicking a mouse.

The St. Johns River Water Management District today launched a new online group camping reservation system at floridaswater.com/camping that allows visitors 24-hour access to camping information on the nearly 700,000 acres the agency owns or manages.

Users can create an account that allows access to reservation information on 18 select group campsites. Although the District has individual and group campsites, reservations are required for the group sites. Individual campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping reservation system shows if a site is already booked and the duration of the booking. The Web site also provides driving directions and a link to the District's online Recreation Guide to District Lands, which contains descriptions and photos of District properties. Upon booking a site, users receive an automated response notifying them that the reservation request has been received.

Camping enthusiasts should be prepared to rough it on these wild and scenic lands. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on District lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed, and many of the properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters.

Group camping is for seven or more people and a reservation and permit are required from the District. Group campers must make a reservation at least seven days in advance, and all camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit.

For more information about group camping or individual campsites on District lands, visit the District's online Recreation Guide at floridaswater.com/recreationguide or call the District at (386) 329-4404.