Rec.gov cancellation policy

garmp wrote:

Both DW & I are in the high risk category

That line says it all.

Call them and ask

Wait a couple of days. It appears that the government in an attempt to save everyone is about to make thousands of campers homeless in FL and other states...see you at WalMart.

It has more detail in the confirmation email. I want to say just $10 fee if cancelled 2 days or more in advance though. Unfortunately I don't keep my reservation emails once I have used them so can't find the wording quickly.

If the government closes the campground for the days of your reservation, you will recieve a refund promptly. Had that happen for floods and fires several times in past few years.

If you choose to not make the trip and the campground - you owe the cancellation fees and such.

But, call. Don't depend upon anything on the internet.

We once had an axle failure while towing to a COE campground, and I called. That counted as an 'emergency' cancellation, and my full fees were refunded.

Not saying your situation counts as that, or if the policy even still is in place. CALL THEM.

garmp wrote:
We finally snagged a site at Ft. Pickens, FL in May and now looks like we might have to cancel. Is Rec.gov offering any special cancellation policy due to the COVID-19?
From what I can find they are making no extra exceptions due to this virus outbreak. Their website states:

Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.

They say nothing about cancelling a week or two (or more)in advance and loosing less of your money. Really not sure what to do. Both DW & I are in the high risk category, but really want to go.

"Reservation Cancellations & Changes"

"Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below)."

...

"Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window"

Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee."

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

I've cancelled in the past a few weeks out and paid only the $10 fee. However I know people that are having their reservations cancelled by the state and they aren't paying anything. When my reservation to Anastasia State Park was cancelled due to hurricane Irma, I paid nothing.

Yo Fizz: That is why we are considering cancelling. All pending on our health the virus situation, etc. I thought that was explained in my opening statement.

If you cancel a reservation, I'd expect the regular policy to apply. If they cancel you, a full refund is coming your way.



MODERATOR'S EDIT: Per the site Admin's request, I am closing all COVID-19 threads and directing future comments to one thread in Around the Campfire: 2019–20 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC POSTINGS