We finally had to face the sad facts and cancel our trip to Lake Almanor (burning up right now in the Dixie fire). I had made several reservations on the way to our final destination and had to start the process of cancelling those reservations. I came across a NO-REFUNDS policy at one of these campgrounds (credit card charged in full once reservation is made and no-refunds for any reason). Full disclosure, it does say this on the website when you make the reservation, but of course, at the time I had no reason to cancel. Also, just because it is in writing, that doesn’t negate the fact it is a crappy policy.I understand a cancellation fee for late cancellations, but I cancelled this reservation more than three weeks out. Obviously, we all know that the campground will be able to re-book this site and not be out any money – did I mention it was for Labor Day weekend? I would really rather donate $100 to a firefighter charity than just let this campground take it.Has anyone else run across such a crappy policy?

At least give them a negative review on one or more of the RV campground review sites. Under the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect a refund.

You made a reservation knowing there would be no refunds if you had to cancel and now you are upset because you had to cancel and will not get a refund. I guess you would expect your mortgage company to give you a free month if you were on the road for a month because the mortgage agreement said owner occupied and you didn't occupy it that month. If you do not like no refund policies that some campgrounds have do not make reservations in them and you will never be upset again.

QCMan wrote:You made a reservation knowing there would be no refunds if you had to cancel and now you are upset because you had to cancel and will not get a refund. I guess you would expect your mortgage company to give you a free month if you were on the road for a month because the mortgage agreement said owner occupied and you didn't occupy it that month. If you do not like no refund policies that some campgrounds have do not make reservations in them and you will never be upset again.I get your point, but a wild fire (if that's the reason is basically n act of God and the OP should not be penalized 3 weeks out.I made non refunadable resrvation with Southwest and had to cancel due to Covid shut down. Colleges shut down eliminating the need to travel/fly. Southwest did not give me a refund which I still feel is outrageous. I get it the policy is posted but some things are beyond your control.A wild fire or Covid are publically known issues and worthy of some consideration very different than the dog ate my homework or my grandmother died!

…. You never know what tomorrow will bring, we don’t make reservations for campgrounds BUT we are prepared to spend the night impromptu. 5 years on the road FT… Yes it’s a terrible policy & I think I’d post on GOOGLE & all the campgrounds websites I could find…

Since the campground that had the no refund policy was not directly affected by the wildfire, I don't think the act of god excuse is valid. Granted, the reason he had the reservation was because he was stopping overnight on the way and now did not have a reason to keep his reservation. I don't see that as the campgrounds issue. I have made reservations with a no refund policy. Knew it up front, decided the risk was worth it, and I have had to cancel before. Usually, the campground will let you change for a date in the future. At least the one in Florida that I had to cancel at the last minute allowed me to transfer reservation to same time the next year. Suppose you could try that route.What's the negative review going to say? Campground has a no refund policy and they wouldn't give me my money back when I canceled? If I read a review like that, I'd chalk it up to sour grapes and it wouldn't affect my decision one bit. It would be nice if they made an exception, but since their policy is pretty clear, and you knew it, I guess it is what it is.Mike

Just experienced our first Non-refundable campground

capacitor
Explorer
Aug 15, 2021
He wouldn’t be canceling. They have their money and he has his site. Why are you so upset?

This thread should be closed!!
capacitor
Explorer
Aug 15, 2021
This is like the flip side of the coin. I made reservations in February for 4 sites at Dorst Creek campground in the Kings canyon and think it was a federal park. The reservations were for first week in July. Two weeks before this date I receive an email stating that they had cancelled two of my sites and they would refund my CC with no cancelation fee. I called the park and they said there is a dangerous tree over those two spots. I said I need four so please cancel my other two and refund me the cost. They said no problem but there was a cancellation fee. I asked nicely why as there was no fee on the other two and all were made at the same time. They told me too bad. How about them apples!
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 15, 2021
capacitor wrote:
This is like the flip side of the coin. I made reservations in February for 4 sites at Dorst Creek campground in the Kings canyon and think it was a federal park. The reservations were for first week in July. Two weeks before this date I receive an email stating that they had cancelled two of my sites and they would refund my CC with no cancelation fee. I called the park and they said there is a dangerous tree over those two spots. I said I need four so please cancel my other two and refund me the cost. They said no problem but there was a cancellation fee. I asked nicely why as there was no fee on the other two and all were made at the same time. They told me too bad. How about them apples!

This is my point. I understand the cancellation policy.
But when covid, or wild fires or some event beyond the campers controls intercects with the plan some considerration should be given other than the standard line. Especially 3 weeks out when the site can be re booked!

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