Reservations-KY to Grand Canyon on route 40

Kentucky _Jo wrote:
Be traveling mid September to mid October. Do you believe we will need reservations along the way and at the Grand Canyon. Willing to stay in public or private parks.

We spent the last 3 Septembers and Octobers in New Mexico. Be aware that the Balloon Fiesta is Oct. 6-14. RV parks and campgrounds from Santa Fe to Truth or Consequences may be full for the 2 weeks before and after. Many raise their prices during this time.


In my experience over the past few years, it has become more difficult to get sites with at least electric without reservations. New Mexico is no exception. Parks like Chochiti Lake, Rhiana at Abuqui Lake, and Oliver Lee State Park that get mentioned often on this and other forums can be difficult to get into or get a spot for more than a day or two. If you do not need electric, you will have a better chance at some of the larger public campgrounds. Even if you don't make reservations, checking the date availability page on Recreation dot Gov and Reserve America a couple of days before arrival will give you a good idea of what to expect. Some of the Forest Service campgrounds will close after Labor Day or by the end of September.