New reservation system for South Lake Tahoe's Campground by the Lake

Many who have camped in South Lake Tahoe at the City owned Campground by the Lake have said they love the campground, but hate the reservation system.

That experience is about to change and duties of reservations, and cancellations, will soon be handled by Reserve America. This nationwide company handles reservations for 289 federal properties, 42 state, 23 county and 23 private campgrounds according to their website.

Reserve America also handles camping at other popular local spots including US Forest Service and state sites Hope Valley, Fallen Leaf, Kit Carson, Wright's Lake, Meeks Bay and Nevada Beach Campgrounds, as well as Emerald Bay and DL Bliss State Parks.

The City said it took three people to handle the antiquated reservation system that required manual entries. For their service, Reserve America earns $3.50 per reservation, and the same for each cancellation.

Campground by the Lake will go live on Reserve America April 1.

Current camping rates are $41-$81 per night, depending on the type of space and time of year. The SLT City Council will evaluate those fees at a meeting this fall to see if they should be raised or remain the same.