Jammed Phone Lines Make Not-So-Happy Campers

Would-be campers trying to reserve a campsite through the state’s toll-free reservation phone line got mostly busy signals and aggravation in recent weeks.

The state Parks and Recreation Commission admitted Friday the problem was its fault.

“Yep, our phone lines are jammed,” said Susan Zemek, commission spokeswoman. “We’re taking 1,000 reservations a day, so people are getting through. But there are a lot of people getting busy signals.”

Up to 176,000 calls a day this week alone have been met with busy signals, she said.

The commission miscalculated the number of operators needed to handle the reservation system, which began Jan. 23. The problem has intensified as the Independence Day weekend approaches.

Fuming callers have tried reaching other commission numbers - and even their legislators, Zemek said. Many have complained in writing.

More operators have recently been hired to staff phone lines from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Zemek said.