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Wrong_Lane's avatar
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Jun 24, 2013

Reservations - 5 to 7 day minimum??

We are starting to make reservations for our end of July first of August trip in New England.

This year we are encountering many campgrounds responding that they are now only accepting 5 to 7 day (length varies for each location)minimum stays between July 1 to Labor day.

The latest to inform us of this policy is Bayley's in Scarbourgh-Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

The campgrounds with this policy almost always advise us to call a few days prior to arrival and they will see if they can fit us in.

We have limited vacation time and generally move every 3 or 4 days allowing us to see and experience more. We do, however, always reserve in advance prior to arriving. Calling a few days ahead of arrival, in the hopes of maybe getting a site, just doesn't fit our travelling style.

We have been able to find alternatives so it's not like we are stranded but my fear is that if we as a group accept this with no argument than this 5 to 7 day minimum may start to be the norm in popular areas.

I know that these are business and are free to use the business model they feel works best but ---- how many three night stays at $80.00 per night would thay really want to turn away?

Rant over!!

27 Replies

  • Son of Norway wrote:
    RV parks out your way are $80 a night? That's what I would be ranting about!

    I guess it depends on the demand. I once stayed at a campground near Niagara Falls that charged $90/night.. And the campground wasn't all that good.
  • State parks typically allow for a 2 night weekend and 1 night weekday stay, if you are planning on short stops at each destination. Just be sure that you will fit their spots before booking.

    - Randy
  • I live and work on the road and of course, I have my home with me. Leading up to full timing, I used government campgrounds when moving often and commercial parks with some natural ambiance when I wanted to sit for a month. I do the same today and have no desire or need for reservations. That freedom is tempered with visiting the popular areas during their shoulder season. YMMV:)
  • I have never reserved a site.
    Only once, in CA, was the CG full, they sent us up the road to
    a much better campground.

    If it reaches the point that I have to decide in advance where I am
    going to stay any particular day,
    I will stay home!
  • Many folks are beginning to stay close to home so RV parks are seeing an increase in business. People aren't flying and hoteling it...they hop in the RV and travel an hour or two from home instead.

    The RV parks near popular destinations and large cities are able to rewrite the rules and still get customers.

    Plus us older RV'ers are able to stay for many days instead of just for a weekend. We are either retired, semi-retired or have many vacation days to use up during the year. Employers have pretty much stopped letting you save up vacation time from year to year and some even restrict how much you can take at a time. A bunch of short vacations throughout the year vs. one long vacation is the new norm.

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