STATE PARK CAMPSITES GET SNAPPED UP FAST.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

If a weekend of camping at one of California's state parks sounds inviting, clear your Friday morning calendar and get prepared for a feverish online race.

October reservations open at 8 a.m. at ReserveAmerica.com, but most of those vying to enjoy one of America's favorite past-times will be out of luck.

Just ask Irma Tamayo, who thought the Internet would make it easy to book a summer camping spot for her 7-year-old daughter and their San Fernando Valley Brownie troop. But after days of checking online in January, she gave up.

``When we missed the bus last year, we tried to make reservations early this year,'' she said. ``But by the time I went online, they were already full.''

In fact, 75 percent of campers trying to get spots at the 10 most-requested state parks will be out of luck, according to ReserveAmerica.com, the reservation center for the state parks service.

Sites had already been scarce in recent years, but the fear of air travel resulting from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has made getting a site nearly impossible.

On Feb. 1, a record 9,600 reservations were logged online and by phone for 10,000 spots at 91 California State Parks for September. That's about 1,600 more reservations than were taken on Jan. 2, when campers began booking for August.

``All the popular places have been signed up for way in advance,'' said Marge Driscoll, the director of member services with Calabasas-based American Camping Association, which accredits campsites.

Still there is hope.

``We can tell you about three or four other parks that will meet your needs,'' said Brock Weatherup, ReserveAmerica's president and chief operating officer.

For an average of about $12 per campsite, a camper can book a spot through ReserveAmerica six months in advance, beginning at 8 a.m. on the first day of each month.