Dislike of 'Reservation Only' camping

I too like knowing there will be a spot for me when I arrive at my destination, especially if I want a waterfront site or a site with views. My DW and I have specific sites at certain CGs that we like and therefore will reserve them. If I'm just using a CG for a stop over than I don't care where my site is.

Much depends on the time of year. We do most of our travels in the spring and fall, and have never had a problem.

It's usually the weekends and Fridays where you will have problems just showing up.

Holidays pose another problem the week before and after a holiday are busy.

We know we can usually find a spot Monday through Thursday without a reservation. However if we want to be sure to get a site then we always make a reservation.

I am of the other camp, pun intended. I prefer to make reservations and know I will have a site waiting for me when I arrive rather than take my chances and hope for one. And if none available, have to scramble to find something near by.

Most but not all federal/state campgrounds offer a few first come first serve camp sites and we usually have no problem getting a site as long as we come midweek.

We don't like to reserve to far in advance as well and even on busy weekends we just come early and nab a pretty nice site. Of course there is no guarantee that will always work.

Sometimes you just have to reserve ahead of time if you really need a spot for a particular timeframe, most accept cancellations or changes in itinerary if done in a timely manner.

You can still just show up and see if there's a site available. The reserved ahead full parks situation now is pretty much caused by the improving economy and lower gas prices bring more RV'ers, old and new, out on the road. Many parks do hold at least a few sites for walk-ins though.