Forum Discussion

TriumphGuy's avatar
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Dec 09, 2016

Southwest trip summer 2017 - where should I reserve?

Hi folks,
Short summary, we are headed to these places (this order) from June 9 to July 9 2017:
- Grand Canyon
- Hoover Dam
- Zion
- lake Powell
- Bryce
- Capitol Reef
- Moab (see Arches and Canyonlands)
- Monument Valley
- Four corners
- Mesa Verde
- Durango
- Great Sand Dunes

I have reservations at GC and will be making Zion Watchman reservations as soon as the window opens up.

I had planned to leave everything else open to adjust our itinerary as the trip unfolds. For example we may skip some things, get a wild hair and go up to Rocky Mtn NP... etc.

My understanding was that GC and Zion needed reservations far in advance. I thought I could wing the rest. But I just found out that the Arches CG is closed next year for construction, which makes me think I need to grab a spot in Moab.

(Yes I know putting Lake Powell in there means some backtracking but that's the best place I thought to put it. I really want to get some Lake time with the family and rent a boat).

Thoughts on making reservations?
  • huachuca's avatar
    huachuca
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    There are lots of dispersed camping opportunities and smaller public campgrounds that do not take reservations in the Four Cornets area if that style of camping would work for you. For Lake Powell and Glen Canyon NRA, check out Lone Rock Beach primitive camping and Lee's Ferry. We stayed at and enjoyed both when in that area last Fall. Kaibab NF and BLM lands also offer a number of possibilities so I don't think reservations are a must unless you really want to stay within a certain Park.

    We'll be in southern Utah for a month next May with more than a dozen other campers and have made reservations only for Watchman and the North Rim. The rest of the time we have a primary spot picked out along with two or three nearby alternates if the first choice is full.

    Hope you have a great trip.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    Reservations---
    Make as many reservations as possible! You can always cancel or reschedule. Just check the cancellation policy requirements for each park! Getting to an RV park and they are full is not my 2st choice

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