Depends on the time of year we travel. For Memorial Day and July 4th holidays we make reservations even close to home because all the spots are popular here. Unless we camp alone, then we boondocks and take our chance on finding a spot. It usually works out. Our main big trip is in September and we always play it by ear. Since it's a slower time of year, we can always find a place to stay and pretty much wing it. DH likes to change the route and plan and I just go along with it. It ends up being more fun that way!