Why do They Do this???

loulou57 wrote:
So from reading these posts, the state parks do not have a website like our provincial parks where you actually choose your site by viewing photos of it online with all the information on the park?
When you go to a state park you either drive around and find one that suits or you take what is given to you?

Some states (and some state parks) have photos of each campsite. Typically, these are parks where you can reserve a specific site (such as Florida, Maryland, Utah). Some states only allow one to reserve a site, but not a specific site (Georgia, Virginia) and so do not have images of particular sites.

One can also find pictures of sites at Campsite Photos. This site often has images of federal parks where no reservations are taken.

loulou57 wrote:
So from reading these posts, the state parks do not have a website like our provincial parks where you actually choose your site by viewing photos of it online with all the information on the park?
When you go to a state park you either drive around and find one that suits or you take what is given to you?

In Texas, This is correct. There are NO site-specific reservations. You get a ressie for a "primitive tent site, 20/30 amp water/electric, 50 amp water/electric/sewer," etc. Then when you get to the park, the Ranger looks up what type site you reserved, pulls out a CG map, and circles what sites are available in your site type. Then you pick from the circled sites. You are at the mercy of what that Ranger "knows" about the sites and/or what their "cheat sheet" says about the sites, if you've never been there before.

They don't offer to let you drive around & just find a suitable site. At a FEW parks (NOT the busy, popular ones) I've been told if I see a site I like better, just call them back (iffy as at about 1/2 the parks cell phone service is spotty) or go BACK to the office & tell them & switch.

If you are making reservations online, The Google satellite image of the park can tell you a lot, especially if you have never been to it.
The other thing we do is get an extra map when we check in, do a walk-thru of the park and make notes as to which sites are best for shade. If you do it in the morning and again in the afternoon, you'll get a pretty good idea of the directions of morning and afternoon sun..

So from reading these posts, the state parks do not have a website like our provincial parks where you actually choose your site by viewing photos of it online with all the information on the park?
When you go to a state park you either drive around and find one that suits or you take what is given to you?

Based on the responses here, everyone has a different idea of what they want in a a campsite. I guess you have to ask. Otherwise on check in, it would take another 20 minutes to fully describe each site.

You said:"If I asked for a wooded site, I'd most likely end up with a site with one lone mesquite tree." Well..... you are in Texas!:)

Just kidding. I love Texas.

It comes down to picking your own site one way or another. Sometimes you could drive the grounds and pick one. Sometimes I'm too lazy for that for a one nighter. Recently I stayed at a public campground I had not been to before. I told them I was a newbie and asked for a nice site (without really caring). I got a dusty small interior site with one dead bush as the only plant. Plus I was bunched up with a group of other campers where much of the place was vacant. Hey it was just a night, and if I had really cared I would have scouted it first. But I did come away with a map and ideas for much better sites next time.

They don't seem to CARE or MAKE NOTE OF whether the driveways shaded or not. Just the picnic table and/or the tent pad. THAT was my question of "Why do they NOT note whether the driveways shaded or not"? But I guess it's ASSUMED whatever you use to "get you there" (i.e. truck, car, van, pop up, TT, etc.) you won't need shade on THAT-- just the site amenities.

I just wish they would note-- "driveway shaded, tent pad shaded, table partially shaded". Something like that. Sigh.

If I asked for a wooded site, I'd most likely end up with a site with one lone mesquite tree. ;)

happybooker1 wrote:
When I pull into a campsite and want to know how shady it is (or not), I don't give a FLIP if the tables in the shade. Or the tent pad. I want to know if the DRIVEWAY's in the shade? You know, where I'll be parking my TT!!

Invariably the Rangers will look at their list or computer and say "yep, full shade" and when I get to the site I'll find the DRIVEWAY in FULL all-day sun, but sure enough, that table is in the shade.

Ugh!

So the rangers are supposed to read your mind regarding the location of the shade?

ASK them if the driveway in in the shade when you check in!

Most Rangers don't have the ROM module installed. (Read Operator's Mind). Speak up.

Try asking for a fully wooded site. I do not expect the state park staff to be familiar with every aspect of the CG. In NY when you go to a State CG the person you talk to is a seasonal employee.Usually a college student or recent high school graduate. They are only slightly more familiar with the park than you are. The park manager is free to use his seasonal as he sees fit. That means that the ones with good social skills will usually man the office and the less congenial one will be mowing the lawn and cleaning bathhouses.
Unless you are camping in the woods under total tree cover it is real hard to find a site that is totally shaded 14 hours a day.