Want to camp at this popular national park this summer? You'll need reservations first.

Campers headed to enjoy the vast, ancient forest of the Olympic National Park Staircase Campground this summer will need to book a slot on the new reservation system.

To help manage anticipated heavy crowds, between July 5 and Aug. 31, guests will need to book a reservation online or at 877-444-6777 before they arrive at the Washington state campground's 49 sites.

"Visitation to the Staircase area of Olympic National Park has steadily increased in recent years," Cheryl Higbee, revenue and fee program manager, in a statement. "This summer reservation system will help visitors plan a visit to this remote area of the park during the busiest season of the year."

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Reservations can be made as far in advance as two weeks and up to one day before your arrival date. 

You can camp at Staircase Campground for up to seven nights during the reservation season for $24 a night (unless you have a Senior Access Pass, then it's 50% off).

For the rest of the year, the campground will be managed at a first-come, first-served basis.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for Paste BN baed in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com