Any chance for Topsail without a ressie?

[CapeM1]

We are in the midst of planning a trip south in October. I know it's late to try and get sites this close on, but do the State Parks reserve 100% of their spots out or do they make sure to keep a few open for daily "walk ins". We would love to visit Topsail for a few days but we are working on a "wing it" schedule. Our plan is Orlando,(for which we DO have reservations), then somewhere on gulf-coast (Topsail?), but then might like to come back up and visit Stone Mountain, and then go over to Pigeon Forge. We have never had the opportunity of so much time to travel so we want to make the most of it, yet don't want to be strangled down by a schedule, and hope that there is at least a chance of getting into one of the many state parks without a prior reservation. Anyone else done it? Thanks for any help.

[soren]

cyntdon2010 wrote:
Each time I have been to Topsail the sign at the front says, Campground FULL

The sign I walked past a few months ago, and then got a great spot without a reservation, for five nights? That's the sign you're talking about? We ended up in a great site across from the laundry building. I have been to some of the most popular state and national CGs in the lower 48, and walked past that sign repeatedly, to end up with a great, no reservation site.

This happens for many reasons, including reservation systems that are totally screwed up. Reservation systems that turn away business because they will not allow a booking within 24-48 hours of arrival. Parks that keep "off the books" sites available for issues that arise, and a bunch of other reasons. I have been greeted with everything from, "did you see the sign" to, "let me see what's available that's not listed on the computer"

[mockybird]

Dog Folks wrote:

nomad297 wrote:
What, exactly, is a "ressie"?

Bruce

I may be wrong but I thought it was a cute attempt at at the word "reservations."

Kind of like DH/DW/DD/DS/BFF...........one of those things
ressie is reservation "shortie"

[Twain]

In Oct, chances are decent Monday-Thursday. You will be pushing your luck on the weekends.

[Sfla2]

there in june just kept checking reserve amer. abt twice a day, found 1 for i day, kept looking everday then found another 1, had to move ea day no big thing this was abt 2 mo out

[Dog_Folks]

nomad297 wrote:
What, exactly, is a "ressie"?

Bruce

I may be wrong but I thought it was a cute attempt at at the word "reservations."

[nomad297]

What, exactly, is a "ressie"?

Bruce

[BobR]

When you know when you will arrive, go on Reserve America website (or call) and check for site availability. Dependent upon your length of stay, you might have to reserve separate sites for different days. Flexibility is the key.

[katfish]

Always call and check, the system does not update that great. I have called before when it showed no spots an they had spots, but it did not show up on the computer .. Never hurts to try. If they say no on ur first try try again later that evening or the next morning. People book these sites several months in advance an their plans change.
Good luck

[cyntdon2010]

If you park the RV at the Wally mart. and bring a pup tent...

I learn years ago, for the best campgrounds reservations are required.

Each time I have been to Topsail the sign at the front says, Campground FULL

[Dog_Folks]

Are chance?

Yes, two chances......Slim and none.

Most state parks, but not, all have walk up sites. These sites do not show on the reservation system.

I would call the day before, and although there is no guarantee, the rangers can give you a trend of how busy it is.

[sch911]

Topsail does have walk up sites. Get there early. And there is always Henderson and Grayton as backups. Between the three you'll get a spot.

[2012Coleman]

State parks in Florida usually have walkup sites. They are not made available on line.

[tnscoutr]

We were there during the middle of summer a few years ago, and our neighbor was a walk-in.

[Crawfordville]

I don't believe Topsail has any "walkup" sites. Which means that you have to make your reservations online. Only a few state parks have sites that are "walkup" which are FCFS and non reservable.