Anybody tried the new Recreation.gov website?
Maybe there are some bugs that need to be worked out but, so far, it has been awkward for me to see available sites and available dates for a favorite campground. As a retiree, I am often open to a da...
Forum Discussion
Just a quick info note on paying for site after all this new 'stuff'...
We were in Gr Smoky NP recently and the ranger told us no one can pay with cash anymore, even in office for first come site.
What that implies, maybe, is that even when you walk-in for an open site, you pay with CC and get into the system -- I expect next will be a reservation fee even if you are walk-in ... like in Custer Park, and even for non-reserve walk-in sites....
That makes NO sense (if it happens) except to increase revenue for the Fed reserve system vendor. Has not happened yet - altho we have not camped with Feds since that change took place - I believe Oct First, not sure tho. That would truly be a bummer to pay a reservation fee for one night on a walk-in while traveling.
We never make reservations, ever, because we like short stays and move on.... but we're retired and not everyone can be that flexible. But paying a reservation fee for one-night more or less eliminates the senior discount, and goes to the vendor, not the park...
We like to support the Feds and state parks, and it does save us a little money too. BUt if the fees keep jumping, it will curtain our camping time AND the Feds and State will probably gain less overall if it begins pushing seniors (The off-season staple support $$$) with added fees - especially those on fixed income would certainly shorten a stay and decrease overall revenue ...
We were in Gr Smoky NP recently and the ranger told us no one can pay with cash anymore, even in office for first come site.
What that implies, maybe, is that even when you walk-in for an open site, you pay with CC and get into the system -- I expect next will be a reservation fee even if you are walk-in ... like in Custer Park, and even for non-reserve walk-in sites....
That makes NO sense (if it happens) except to increase revenue for the Fed reserve system vendor. Has not happened yet - altho we have not camped with Feds since that change took place - I believe Oct First, not sure tho. That would truly be a bummer to pay a reservation fee for one night on a walk-in while traveling.
We never make reservations, ever, because we like short stays and move on.... but we're retired and not everyone can be that flexible. But paying a reservation fee for one-night more or less eliminates the senior discount, and goes to the vendor, not the park...
We like to support the Feds and state parks, and it does save us a little money too. BUt if the fees keep jumping, it will curtain our camping time AND the Feds and State will probably gain less overall if it begins pushing seniors (The off-season staple support $$$) with added fees - especially those on fixed income would certainly shorten a stay and decrease overall revenue ...
