Sounds like we are not the only people to have issues with the COE. The campgrounds are usually fairly nice (although you would think that a group with ENGINNERS in it's name would have full hookups at every site---the campground we use the most only has electric). Generally speaking we have had very good relations with the gate keepers. They seem just as frustrated with the reservation rules as we are.
As to calling or going online to make reservations my argument is that we should not have to go thru that hassle if we show up in person! I have NEVER seen that kind of issue before anywhere and we camp a lot in the South.
By the same token you should be able to go online and make reservations for the same day. We often decide at the spur of the moment to go camping (the lake is only 8 miles away). There is NO excuse for the reservation system to be so screwed up that it would not allow reservations any closer than 4 days out period!
This IS the number one issue with COE campgrounds in Arkansas. I have heard from dozens of other campers that would agree! What I am asking my fellow Good Sams to assist with is setting up a protest that will get the COE buracracys attention since they obviously don't listen to their gate keepers! If anyone knows how to send this on to the Good Sams issue resolution team it would also be appreciated.
