Where to camp, reservations etc

Mountain Mama wrote:
For such short trips (time wise) I'd suggest not trying to go so far as San Antonio, etc. Look for something within 2 hrs of Dallas until you can plan further ahead &'find available sites. We love the COE parks as they usually have larger sites and many do have some walk up sites. You'll be surprised that though you may not be very far from home how relaxing it will be just to get away.

And yes, book your weekends as far in advance as possible. For the COE parks thru www.recreation.gov, there is a $10 or so cancellation fee if you happen not to get to go, but to know that you gave a site reserved for your weekend is a good feeling!

We really have two different types of trip in mind. One is the kind you mention: we'd just be out to get some nature, relaxing and walking the dog around a lake or something.

The second is more active. We have targeted towns and cities that we visit. We walk around checking out the old architecture, maybe taking in a museum or something historic, or perhaps enjoying the local yearly festival. Afterward we need a place to park the Chinook so we can sleep.

I looked at COE. For example, I picked a place up near Tulsa. The next available reservation is April 2016. Now maybe we could show up and they'd take us in. But it's 5 hours drive from here.

On the other hand suppose we pick a place just an hour and a half away. We still have to pick up the Chinook from storage, stock it with water etc., drive over...and if they don't have a place for us?

I think the day we need is really our downfall. One (Oklahoma) site had listings that showed how many places were "available," like maybe 10 could accomodate our needs---21' and 30 amp, bringing a dog. But if you click to reserve it shows that Friday-Saturday are already taken. We mainly need Saturdays. We did find a place finally but we have to take Sunday as well, though we'll be long gone before our time is up.