The Ventura County Parks Department has launched a new online reservation system at www.gsa.countyofventura.org/ parks.

The system, developed by Art Street Interactive Inc., allows potential customers to look up details about camping and group use areas, view maps and campsite photos, check availability of sites, make camping reservations and pay for their stay via the Internet.

Previously, all reservations had to be booked through the reservation desk. Camping customers can now completely bypass the old process.

All county parks that have camping and group use areas are listed with flash maps showing layouts of the facilities.

Although reservations are not accepted at beachfront parks, they are featured online so that campers can check the availability of campsites and examine the services that are available.

Holders of California State Parks Distinguished Veterans cards can register with the system, which will allow them to book reservations online and receive their discounts automatically. Field verification may still be required.

Onlineonly camping discounts of 5 percent to 10 percent are available Tuesdays through Thursdays in selected parks.

All rules for making reservations and cancellations still apply. Group use reservations, large camping groups of 10 or more sites and youth camping will still need to be booked through the reservation desk. Check the availability of these sites online before calling the reservation desk.

For more information about Ventura County parks, call (805) 654-3951 or e-mail county.parks @ventura.org.