State Parks
So BC ( before Covid) we didnt have to much of an issue getting res at AZ state parks. Now there like 6-8 months out. When we do get a res, and are there we see open spots everywhere, lots with names ...
Forum Discussion
Lantley wrote:
If you not there the site would be open up period. The only thing to debate is should you be fined? Death is not an excuse otherwise there would be a lot of Grandmothers and Aunts dying Friday night at check in time!
The vacancy problem can be curtailed, we just need policy makers to be aware of the problem and then have to stomach and determination to implement STRICT rules to address the issue.
As you can see from this thread there are plenty of people willing to tie up sites and knowingly leave them vacant as long as the reservation meets their own personal criteria. Some reserve sites for "just in case" without a firm plan to use the site.
Those that intentionally create vacancies are not concerned with the financial cost and can afford to waste the money on the vacant site. They have no concern for others who would actually use the site.
It's the other campers that must put there foot down and demand policy makers fine the abusers and eliminate deliberate premeditated vacancies.
In Oregon there's a CG called RiverBend. It's run by Linn County. Super popular all summer because it's close to a fish/ski lake.
Lots of small towns and a couple cities nearby within 10-40 miles.
Few year back we were talking to a one of the camp hosts and we were complaining about all the walk in sites that were booked wed thru sunday and that people were driving in to grab sites then driving back home only to show up fri nite. I said that's not fair. He said "Why not they paid for it". Thing is Linn County got more money that way because more likely than not many of those sites would be empty wed/thur.
IMO it's a systemic issue and good luck changing decades old policies.
