Higher Cancellation Fee at ReserveAmerica? - Oops My Mistake

Thanks for the explanation. I sort of understand how that could work, but only if someone doesn't want the whole 14 nights allowed.

Most people lucky enough to get wintertime reservations in the Keys or Florida CoEs stay the max number of days, I would guess?

OK probably open a can of worms and I don't know what it is called, but, lets say you go online several days ahead of time and book a string of days. Later, pay the 10 dollar changing fee and change the number of days you actually want. I haven't done this personally, but I heard that's how its done.

tegu69 wrote:
Is that what they call it, the "slide system". You go on line at 8am at the opening of the booking window and the site(s) you want have already been booked.

Slide System? What the heck is/was that?

And, yep. Have many times logged onto the reservation sites first thing in the morning on the first dates of a booking window, only to be shut out two seconds later. Winter reservations in the Keys and FL CoEs, especially. No doubt others enjoy a faster Inet connection than I (or a relative at the reservation center, perhaps).

Makes me wonder how campers ever manage to reserve by phone.

Was grateful to be able to pick up part of someone elses dates at Pennekamp last year when they gave a heads up on RV.net that they had to cancel their reseration. Wish there was a forum just for that.

Some folks think they cannot book a site until the entire stay is within the booking window.

If you want to book May 17-May 24 - book on the first day May 17 is available. RA lets you book when the first day of the time period you want is available - and will reserve the continuous days not yet in the booking windows.

If you want to book May 17, but someone booked that site for 14 days starting on the first day May 7 was available - then the site will not be available at any time when May 17 opens up.

The current Recreation.gov booking windows for most campgrounds is through July 30. I cannot book July 31 - however, I can see some campsites reserved through Aug 5 at a COE campground I visit frequently.

Of course, the downside of this system is you have to book at the first available date - and your money is tied up with the advance payment. If you have to cancel or change - you get hit with the fees.

Is that what they call it, the "slide system". You go on line at 8am at the opening of the booking window and the site(s) you want have already been booked.

NanciL wrote:

fla-gypsy wrote:
Cheating the RA reservation system in Florida is a known problem for several years but changes have been made that make it more difficult. I use and like the RA system in Florida and have NEVER had any issue arise from it. Most problems with the system are self inflicted.

I agree 100 percent.
The ones in the know used to use the "slide system", but since they have changed that there is no way to cheat.
I think the ones that grumble just don't want to get on at exactly eight AM each day.
For what it is worth we like Res. Am and think it is much better way to know you have a site, rather then the way it was many years ago, and just show up at the gate and take your chances of being turned away.
Jack L

I agree. Way back when you had to make a reservation, and pay for the entire stay, at the park, when you completed your current camping trip for your NEXT camping trip to insure a site. Sometimes that meant planning 8-9 month in advance.

RA is not perfect, but it is much better.

fla-gypsy wrote:
Cheating the RA reservation system in Florida is a known problem for several years but changes have been made that make it more difficult. I use and like the RA system in Florida and have NEVER had any issue arise from it. Most problems with the system are self inflicted.

I agree 100 percent.
The ones in the know used to use the "slide system", but since they have changed that there is no way to cheat.
I think the ones that grumble just don't want to get on at exactly eight AM each day.
For what it is worth we like Res. Am and think it is much better way to know you have a site, rather then the way it was many years ago, and just show up at the gate and take your chances of being turned away.


Jack L

Cheating the RA reservation system in Florida is a known problem for several years but changes have been made that make it more difficult. I use and like the RA system in Florida and have NEVER had any issue arise from it. Most problems with the system are self inflicted.

Guy Roan wrote:

Dog Folks wrote:
Yes, Reserve America tries to limit multiple reservations from the same person, but I am here to tell you it is very easy to get around. It is a difficult problem with no easy solution.

I won't teach anyone how to do it though, so don't ask. :)

Since you know so much about how to get around the system, how come you don't have all the sites in the Florida Keys booked ?

Guy

I am not that rude to take another camper's opportunity away from someone just to extend my stay. I would like to think that I am not so self centered.

Lived and camped my entire life in Florida. Camping there has no further attraction for me. Been there, done that, many times over.

Never claimed to know it all, but if you campground host in Florida State Parks for 5 or 6 years you sure learn a lot about it. Give it a try.

Dog Folks wrote:
Yes, Reserve America tries to limit multiple reservations from the same person, but I am here to tell you it is very easy to get around. It is a difficult problem with no easy solution.

I won't teach anyone how to do it though, so don't ask. :)

Since you know so much about how to get around the system, how come you don't have all the sites in the Florida Keys booked ?

Guy