1. yes it is
2. Yes, but the sites I use refer to it as a reservation fee.
3. No, I wouldn't like that. If I am just passing through it probably wouldn't matter but if I specified a specific spot and you moved me, don't think that would fly.
4. Don't know what you mean by this. If I am using an online system I would not think of calling unless this was stated somewhere in the system. If you are holding out sites then say so to anyone who is having trouble getting a spot. It shouldn't be an "inside" kind of thing.
5. This system is too confusing. We do a family reunion every year and we pick a spot and have everyone reserve. We try to get close but sometimes we are not together because someone was late requesting. I don't think one person in the group needs to be in control
I do not know anything about the online reservation system you are talking about. I prefer the state park systems in WA, OR and CA. After that I use Reserve America and Recreation.gov. Each one of these charge a reservation fee and require full payment up front. All of them allow you to cancel, and if done in a specific time window give full refunds aside from the 8 or 10 dollar reservation fee.
When I am going to a smaller campground I usually call. I have never been given the run around after reserving a spot. If someone calls and wants to get a spot for a 27ft trailer with only two people, you should assign one that will work for them. It sounds like you would like to give them a nice large spot but when someone else calls in with the same size trailer but a family of 5, would you move the first people out so the larger group could take the spot? That is what is sounds like you are doing. I don't think that is a very good business practice.
A KOA will reserve a spot but not tell you exactly which one and they do not charge the full amount until you get there. I suppose they might move you around if needed but they don't mislead you going in.
