For those of you who book ahead, what do you think of Reserve America's software format? Pa State Parks went to this service and I really dislike it. I've used it several times for other bookings in other states and it just seems overly cluttered, glitchy, and not intuitive at all. I always find myself getting irritated when I use it. And now, since almost all our travels throughout the season are in PA, I get to use it every time I book. Very disappointed and told them so. That and $1.06 will get me coffee at McDonald, I know. I'm sure they have a very good reason for screwing up the system they had. They were even starting to put pictures of each site on the net when booking so you can see exactly what you're getting. Now that's out the window too. Grrrrrr.....

I don't really have an issue with the technology. I'd rather complain about the high booking fees but that would not be productive either. Information and pictures about each park varies, but not sure who you is to blame for that.

I've used Reserve America a lot over the years, I don't remember if I've used it for anything in PA. I've never had any issues with it. The graphics are really basic but they get the job done. I can't really think of any complaints I would have.Sorry to hear you have so many problems with it.

It's one of the worst websites I have ever used. Takes forever to load each page, you have to go through a zillion pages, the map controls (zoom, pan) don't work, the maps are inaccurate so you have to go to some other site to check which campsite to pick, etc., etc.Oh, well. What're ya gonna do?

I get very forgetful, if I don't use the soft ware everyday I forget how to move around, so this said when I first start my booking ever year I get cold fingers till I start warming up and moving around with the site, Recreation.Gov is the same.Mike

Been using them for years with no issue for Florida State Parks. Extra fees and features are state/organization specific and not a RA issue.

Reserve America: a minor rant. | Good Sam Community

fla-gypsy
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
2012Coleman wrote:
rockhillmanor wrote:
Earl E wrote:
One thing I learned is that states have a huge input into the site.
Many states will only put in maybe 50% of their sites so others are available by phone or drop in
. Other states submit photos of each campsite. Others put limits on how many days can be reserved. I have found in many cases when it looks like I can't get the dates I want, I can call and get them. Don't know about PA but it may not be all the sites fault.

X2
I found this out when I asked a Florida State Park about reservations and the park mgr said he couldn't take reservations you HAD to call Reserve America. He was not allowed to take reservations at the entrance booth.

BUT if you pulled in and personally inquired about staying THAT night plus a couple of days he COULD take your reservations and money!
True - FLa state parks keep some sites off Reserve America for walk-ups. I'm not sure if they will tell you over the phone if some are available, but since I reserve my sites, I'll never find out.

I agree it's to easy to reserve a site rather than chance it. Regardless of the method of reservation or the vendor handling them some folks are just challenged to try and learn something new. The States that use this system obviously do so to reduce the cost of reserving sites and create and income stream. Being a regular user of the park system also gives me some insight into which sites I want and Florida uses a site specific reservation which works well for those of us who will do a little research and puts everyone on a level playing field as to choosing a site.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2015
rockhillmanor wrote:
Earl E wrote:
One thing I learned is that states have a huge input into the site.
Many states will only put in maybe 50% of their sites so others are available by phone or drop in
. Other states submit photos of each campsite. Others put limits on how many days can be reserved. I have found in many cases when it looks like I can't get the dates I want, I can call and get them. Don't know about PA but it may not be all the sites fault.

X2
I found this out when I asked a Florida State Park about reservations and the park mgr said he couldn't take reservations you HAD to call Reserve America. He was not allowed to take reservations at the entrance booth.

BUT if you pulled in and personally inquired about staying THAT night plus a couple of days he COULD take your reservations and money!
True - FLa state parks keep some sites off Reserve America for walk-ups. I'm not sure if they will tell you over the phone if some are available, but since I reserve my sites, I'll never find out.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
Earl E wrote:
One thing I learned is that states have a huge input into the site.
Many states will only put in maybe 50% of their sites so others are available by phone or drop in
. Other states submit photos of each campsite. Others put limits on how many days can be reserved. I have found in many cases when it looks like I can't get the dates I want, I can call and get them. Don't know about PA but it may not be all the sites fault.

X2
I found this out when I asked a Florida State Park about reservations and the park mgr said he couldn't take reservations you HAD to call Reserve America. He was not allowed to take reservations at the entrance booth.

BUT if you pulled in and personally inquired about staying THAT night plus a couple of days he COULD take your reservations and money!
Earl_E
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
One thing I learned is that states have a huge input into the site. Many states will only put in maybe 50% of their sites so others are available by phone or drop in. Other states submit photos of each campsite. Others put limits on how many days can be reserved. I have found in many cases when it looks like I can't get the dates I want, I can call and get them. Don't know about PA but it may not be all the sites fault.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
In all my years RV'ing and then full time, the only thing that will turn me away from a CG is if you 'have' to reserve and/or get info from Reserve America.

If there is no direct phone number to the CG I don't stay there.
williamp321
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
3 years ago before they change the format it was much better.
nineoaks2004
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
We have used it for a long time, and have been pleased with it.
I like to be able to select a site and reserve ahead of time, especially since we live in Fla. and sometimes it is hard to get a site in the snow bird season.
pasusan
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
mosseater wrote:
It isn't a question of not being familiar with it, I've used it before, it just doesn't work nearly as well as their previous format.
This is the crux of the matter. We had a fine reservation system already here in PA. Sorry to hear they changed to Reserve America. :(

I just tried to make reservations at our favorite park and it wouldn't let me - didn't tell me what was wrong - just that there were zero sites that met my criteria. Maybe it's not working quite right yet...
Lantley
Nomad
Feb 25, 2015
I agree with the OP the site was better before PA joined the RA network.
However I do understand that the system is less expensive vs. each state having there own independent reservation system.
As a taxpayer I'll take the savings and pretend the government is using the addition savings somewhere more effectively within the parks system.
While I'm not happy with the general functionality of the system overall it is adequate and gets the job done.
I prefer the marginal system to no reservation system at all.
mosseater
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2015
rr2254545 wrote:
mosseater wrote:
For those of you who book ahead, what do you think of Reserve America's software format? Pa State Parks went to this service and I really dislike it. I've used it several times for other bookings in other states and it just seems overly cluttered, glitchy, and not intuitive at all. I always find myself getting irritated when I use it. And now, since almost all our travels throughout the season are in PA, I get to use it every time I book. Very disappointed and told them so. That and $1.06 will get me coffee at McDonald, I know. I'm sure they have a very good reason for screwing up the system they had. They were even starting to put pictures of each site on the net when booking so you can see exactly what you're getting. Now that's out the window too. Grrrrrr.....

I have no problems with it maybe you just had a bad day

Well, I did when I saw they changed their booking format. It isn't a question of not being familiar with it, I've used it before, it just doesn't work nearly as well as their previous format. Guess I'll get used to it eventually. What choice do I have after all? Having a longer trailer means I need to make sure they have a spot for me, and calling in person has been spotty on whether the person on the other end knows much about the campground layout over what the map shows.