For the nature enthusiasts eager to lock down that perfect campsite, mark your calendars: Wright County Parks & Recreation is set to open its reservation portal on March 3. According to a recent county announcement, locals get a leg up, gaining access at 8 a.m., while the rest of the populace can start booking at noon.

Brush up on that F5 key — historically, these coveted spots are snapped up faster than a s'more at a bonfire, with many sites claimed within the first 90 minutes of the portal’s opening. Wright County residents are no strangers to this frantic digital dash, as it's an annual tradition to scramble for a slice of summer solace.

The great outdoors never go out of style, and with the surge in popularity of campsites, Parks & Rec is providing some insider tips for those planning to pitch a tent between May and October. For a smoother booking experience, they suggest would-be campers visit the Parks & Rec website for a full run-down on the process.

With this in mind, prepare your browsers and ready your resolve — competition may be stiff, but the payoff is a tranquil retreat under the stars. And after all, isn’t that touch of nature's peace worth a little pre-dawn alarm setting? Wright County certainly thinks so, and I bet local outdoor aficionados would agree.