People planning to pitch a tent or park an RV at a Minnesota state park have one day left to book their favorite campsites for 2012, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The DNR advises campers to act now and avoid the rush for reservations in March when the DNR launches its new state park reservation system.

Now through 8 p.m. Monday, reservations can be made by visiting stayatmnparks.com and by calling 866-85PARKS. Reservations will be accepted for arrival dates up to a year in advance.

As announced earlier this month, the existing reservation system is being upgraded and will be temporarily unavailable Dec. 27-Feb. 29.

Overnight stays at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas totaled 985,374 in 2010, up from 942,381 in 2009 and 863,075 in 2008.