We are somewhat new to longer term travel and have a couple of questions.We want to visit the southwest next early fall (aug. - oct.), and see National Parks plus general sights in the area. My wife and I have opposite ideas on how to plan. Her thoughts are that we should make early reservations and a somewhat strict schedule for each leg of the trip. My plan is to be much more flexible and to take the trip as a journey without having to plan each night months in advance. I understand that the National Parks are busy and we may have to call several private campgrounds at times to find a site. We have a 30'TT and will be able to short term boondock occasionally if needed. Seems like making a strict reservation schedule will not allow for unplanned extended stays if we see something interesting, and I'm sure each campground will want deposits to lock in reservations. Although if we do it my way, and have problems finding a campground with vacancy, I'll never hear the end of it.Can this type of trip be done without a strict reservation for each stop, or will it be a nightmare trying to find a place to stay each night.

We never had trouble finding a spot for the night.All private campgrounds had a few spots reserved for overnight stays. National Parks always had spots during the week.

The answer is..it depends. If you want a campsite on friday afternoon at a popular tourist area, then yes you must plan. If you can stick to weekdays and less popular places, no problem.I'm with you. I'd be driven nuts by adherence to a reservation schedule. Sounds like the dw is driven nuts by not having one. Good luck.

2 1/2 years ago we were in the Tetons, and in Yellowstone in mid September with a truck and camper. We are early risers, and pulled into campsites to find very little available, and many times nothing. We checked into the Yellowstone about 10:00 AM at the visitors center, and the fellow asked us if we wanted a spot. I said is it necessary to book right now for arrival at 2:30PM. Essential! Now for the ones along the route, I think you have more leeway there, but I would certainly have a look and call ahead by a few days or more if you are nearing popular weekends.

We do three months out West during the high season without advanced reservations. Many of the places we stay do not take reservations and by showing up late Sunday or Monday (not Friday) we do not have problems with our 42'. On weekends we will call ahead and make a reservation. That late in the season will not be a problem if you wing it.

we have never made reservations and only found a full campground once, that was in Albuquerque during the balloon festival that we weren't going to. We were in Utah 2 years ago in Sep and Oct and there was room everywhere we went.

Strict schedule or flexible travel out west | Good Sam Community

K_Charles
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
we have never made reservations and only found a full campground once, that was in Albuquerque during the balloon festival that we weren't going to.
We were in Utah 2 years ago in Sep and Oct and there was room everywhere we went.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2015
We do three months out West during the high season without advanced reservations. Many of the places we stay do not take reservations and by showing up late Sunday or Monday (not Friday) we do not have problems with our 42'. On weekends we will call ahead and make a reservation. That late in the season will not be a problem if you wing it.
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
2 1/2 years ago we were in the Tetons, and in Yellowstone in mid September with a truck and camper. We are early risers, and pulled into campsites to find very little available, and many times nothing.

We checked into the Yellowstone about 10:00 AM at the visitors center, and the fellow asked us if we wanted a spot. I said is it necessary to book right now for arrival at 2:30PM. Essential!

Now for the ones along the route, I think you have more leeway there, but I would certainly have a look and call ahead by a few days or more if you are nearing popular weekends.
2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2015
The answer is..it depends. If you want a campsite on friday afternoon at a popular tourist area, then yes you must plan. If you can stick to weekdays and less popular places, no problem.

I'm with you. I'd be driven nuts by adherence to a reservation schedule. Sounds like the dw is driven nuts by not having one. Good luck.
Fizz
Explorer
Feb 26, 2015
We never had trouble finding a spot for the night.
All private campgrounds had a few spots reserved for overnight stays. National Parks always had spots during the week.

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Strict schedule or flexible travel out west

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