Reservations

Depends on the definition of deposit.

I can agree with a nominal cancellation fee plus one night's cost.

However, if I have paid for two weeks in advance and they keep all of that, &$%^#@$$!!!!!!

HTH;
John

wowens79 wrote:
I've never camped without reservations. I'd much rather risk losing a nights site fee than risk getting to a campground and having to turn around and go home after packing everything.

You may be able to camp during the week when it is not that hard to find spots, but with work, and kids in school, weekends and vacations are all we get. Even reservations are hard to get on weekends around here. Weekends at the beach, or lake during the summer are about impossible unless you reserve a month or more ahead of time.

This. Here in CO, you have to book at least 3 months in advance, and some places closer to 6, in order to reserve something, especially closer to Denver for weekend trips. I'd rather run the risk of losing $25 or whatever it is, than to show up and have every spot full, or, in our case, every spot we can fit in (our toyhauler is 38' long), taken, thus ruining our weekend/long weekend trip.

Just thank the people that have abused the system in the past. Most "rules" nowadays that seem unfair or unnecessary, probably came from somebody taking advantage or being stupid, IMHO.

Is it that big of a financial problem to lose a deposit?

DallasSteve wrote:
I would not call to cancel unless I knew I would get a refund. All you did was give them the opportunity to rent the space to someone else, AND keep your money. It would be better to call and tell them you are running a little late (even though you really can't make it) just so they wouldn't be tempted to rent it to someone else.

And there's the reason they don't believe anyone, and you lose your reservation. If you can't be honest and ethical, why should you expect anyone else to be?

I would not call to cancel unless I knew I would get a refund. All you did was give them the opportunity to rent the space to someone else, AND keep your money. It would be better to call and tell them you are running a little late (even though you really can't make it) just so they wouldn't be tempted to rent it to someone else.

I very rarely use a campground or RV park that allows or encourages reservations.
In fact, right off hand, the only one I can think of is the campground where the Glacier/Waterton Hamfest is held. Advance reservations are a must there, if you want a site with hookups. If you will be happy dry camping in the meadow or under the trees, reservations are optional, but you better get the early on Thursday to get a good spot! All the shady spots will be gone by late Thursday afternoon. No, you can not reserve your favorite shady spot. First come, first served!

It is not true that all campground have this cancellation policy - there are many variations out there - use at a future date- pay $10 etc etc - Its usually in the confirmation we get

If you are a KOA VIP member there is NEVER any cancellation fee

We had a breakdown this April and the campground did not charge us any fee

Not much you can do about it, except cut your losses and move on, especially if they have it in their written policies and disclaimers. You agreed when you made the payment to the rules.

The alternative is to do away with a reservation system. Then, really ... do you honestly think you'd ever get into your chosen campsite?

"This is why I prefer to boondock, peace of mind."

Me too, 4aSong. Last 21 days out, once in an RV park...to exercise my AC, fill with water and dump.