Holiday weekend camping

Not just the weekend. For many public parks with a 14-day stay limit, folks will book the 14 days with the weekend they want at the end of that period, blocking availability for a couple of weeks on a site they'll occupy for 3-4 days.

Having that weekend for them is worth paying $150-200 to hold a camp site they are not using. They even do this for unreservable sites, come out a couple weeks ahead, pay for the two weeks, put up a play tent to "occupy" the site until they are ready to come use it.

If you want to go RVing on holiday weekends, you'll need to learn how the game is played in your area.

I don't camp on major holiday weekends. And, I try to drive as,little as possible.
It's not worth it to me to fight the traffic and crowds. YMMV

I have reservations pretty much every weekend we're planning to camp this year which is out to Thanksgiving weekend. The big three weekends will fill up within a few days if not hours of the reservation window opening. We take our two week summer vacation starting 1 July but I'll start planning in October and making reservations as soon as the camp grounds will allow. Unless your camping Monday thru Thursday you have to plan a head or hope a camp ground set aside a few walk up only sites.

We do not plan on "camping" on holiday week ends. If we are traveling during one of the big camping week ends we have to plan ahead where we will stay. Usually can lay up in fair grounds and other places that are not "destination" type places.

Many people, probably few of whom are on this site, camp 3 weekends a year; Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, due to the long weekends. I've fortunately reached the point where I can have a long weekend anytime, and so avoid the "big 3". Even better will be when I'm able to go exclusively during the week and leave the weekends to those who have no other choice. :)

the bear II wrote:
In 1980 after trying to get to a campground less than 100 miles from home and it took 7 hours on the Friday before Memorial Day we made the decision that we would never go camping for a 3 day holiday weekend. Now we arrive the weekend before and stay until Tuesday after the holiday. No traffic problems.

One resort for July 4th we have to book a year in advance.

X2 - we never camp on holidays. I go camping to relax and get away from it all. I've seen CG's on holidays and it's a madhouse. Not to mention those weekends are usually a lot more expensive.

In 1980 after trying to get to a campground less than 100 miles from home and it took 7 hours on the Friday before Memorial Day we made the decision that we would never go camping for a 3 day holiday weekend. Now we arrive the weekend before and stay until Tuesday after the holiday. No traffic problems.

One resort for July 4th we have to book a year in advance.

For really popular parks in prime tourist season, many people book as soon as reservations open, some a year in advance, to make sure they get what they want. Even if they have to pay a cancellation fee later, they know they have a site waiting.

To guarantee a site at a park you want in popular areas, especially during prime season, you better book months in advance.

Supply and demand. And demand is high.

Not all weekends book as fast or as much as the big three holiday weekends. We try and stay away during that time. But I do realize that many weekenders love the packed parks and the ambience that goes with it.

We made reservations about a month ago for Texas state parks and it was hard to find a park with a site open with water and electricity. Parks close to IH 35 and east were mostly full. Parks out west had openings.