Maybe there are some bugs that need to be worked out but, so far, it has been awkward for me to see available sites and available dates for a favorite campground. As a retiree, I am often open to a date range and site selection. Before, it seemed to be easy to see, at a glance, what is available and may even see that I could change sites during my stay. Maybe it will get better and easier to use after some experience. Guess I, basically, hate change, especially when something ain't broke.

I think the new layout has fallen victim to Web Designers showing what they can do versus what the end users needs from the website.

Don't like it. Too difficult to navigate. the old one was better. I too, hate change. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

All I can see on that site is the logo on a white background. Nothing to click on. Do you mean recreation.gov?

On Oct 1, The very first time I was re-directed from the old URL to the new site, I was not impressed. But as the data manager for the one of the top-rated camping apps, I spend a LOT of time on recreation.gov and have come to find it much easier and quicker to find the information I'm seeking. The campsite maps are now usable in that they match actual positions, not some stylized-map as before.Some minor gripes:When looking at the reservation table, it steps forward or backward in 5-day increments instead of 14 days as on the old site.Thankfully they used re-directs so that using the former URL usually gets you to the new page. Not always, though, and you have to stop and do a search for the URL.They're still missing maps and fee data on a number of locations, but hopefully that will be added in the near feature.All in all, I'd rate it better than the old site.Ted H.

Do you mean recreation.gov?Yes. Thanks. I fixed it.wxtoad wrote:On Oct 1, The very first time I was re-directed from the old URL to the new site, I was not impressed. But as the data manager for the one of the top-rated camping apps, I spend a LOT of time on recreation.gov and have come to find it much easier and quicker to find the information I'm seeking. The campsite maps are now usable in that they match actual positions, not some stylized-map as before.Some minor gripes:When looking at the reservation table, it steps forward or backward in 5-day increments instead of 14 days as on the old site.Thankfully they used re-directs so that using the former URL usually gets you to the new page. Not always, though, and you have to stop and do a search for the URL.They're still missing maps and fee data on a number of locations, but hopefully that will be added in the near feature.All in all, I'd rate it better than the old site.Sounds like you spend a lot of time using this website. I hope it doesn't take a lot of time for occasional users, like me, to learn. I did notice that the maps were derived from overhead shots and show the actual campsite positions. I sometime will want to spend several days in a campground but there is no single site available. With the old web page, it was easy to see where and when I could select to move. So far, I don't see a quick and easy way to see what's available. Also, like to be able to see two weeks at a time and advance to the next two weeks, when looking for an opening to plan for. As a retiree, with flexibility, this is usually the way I plan and it was easier on the old website. I do like the campsite pictures.Other than the better maps I would like to hear what particular features you like better.

Anybody tried the new Recreation.gov website? | Good Sam Community

Limit4
Explorer
Nov 03, 2018
At our most used COE park. (Indian Point in Branson) they don't have a campground map that is updated. They changed the campsite numbers 2 years ago, if I had not known the new campsite numbers I would have booked the wrong site. Sometimes change is good, with this one not so much.
vermilye
Explorer
Nov 02, 2018
bukhrn wrote:
A company called Booz Allen, the way this thing is currently working, (or not working) Looks like a Boozer off the street made it up.
Every campground I've looked at has this statement, We're unable to display map locations at this time. We're sorry for any inconvenience as we continue to update our data..Most of the site photos that were there are now gone. :M
"Continue to update", how hard would it have been to copy the maps from the old site to this new circus?:M
Remember, the new provider of services made the lowest bid. I doubt the former provider would be willing to provide any more than the minimum required, which may not include maps, photographs, etc to the new provider, particularly since there was a law suit over the change...
charming
Explorer
Nov 02, 2018
I used it just a few minutes ago to make a reservation at Gunter Hill. The only problem I had was the horrible campground map on the side of the page. I down loaded the campground map and it showed exactly the site I wanted.
egrove
Explorer
Nov 01, 2018
Yes, I am finding lots of bugs on the new site. You see a site as available on the general availability page for a campground, but when you go to the individual site page, it won't let you book it, saying the date is invalid. I've reported numerous bugs to them.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2018
A company called Booz Allen, the way this thing is currently working, (or not working) Looks like a Boozer off the street made it up.
Every campground I've looked at has this statement, We're unable to display map locations at this time. We're sorry for any inconvenience as we continue to update our data..Most of the site photos that were there are now gone. :M
"Continue to update", how hard would it have been to copy the maps from the old site to this new circus?:M
Hankjoe
Explorer
Oct 15, 2018
I agree it will probably go to a "reserve fee" even if you are a walk-in; several places have done that.
My experience with the ones that have changed their website is that is supposedly easier to view on the phones - actually 2 sites recently that have been revised the recreation.gov & another I know of have - have been less "clean" & more difficult to navagate from my home computer. I'm with the others who have said if it's not broke, don't try to fix it!
monkey44
Nomad II
Oct 12, 2018
Just a quick info note on paying for site after all this new 'stuff'...

We were in Gr Smoky NP recently and the ranger told us no one can pay with cash anymore, even in office for first come site.

What that implies, maybe, is that even when you walk-in for an open site, you pay with CC and get into the system -- I expect next will be a reservation fee even if you are walk-in ... like in Custer Park, and even for non-reserve walk-in sites....

That makes NO sense (if it happens) except to increase revenue for the Fed reserve system vendor. Has not happened yet - altho we have not camped with Feds since that change took place - I believe Oct First, not sure tho. That would truly be a bummer to pay a reservation fee for one night on a walk-in while traveling.

We never make reservations, ever, because we like short stays and move on.... but we're retired and not everyone can be that flexible. But paying a reservation fee for one-night more or less eliminates the senior discount, and goes to the vendor, not the park...

We like to support the Feds and state parks, and it does save us a little money too. BUt if the fees keep jumping, it will curtain our camping time AND the Feds and State will probably gain less overall if it begins pushing seniors (The off-season staple support $$$) with added fees - especially those on fixed income would certainly shorten a stay and decrease overall revenue ...
garmp
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2018
I tried to login and was told my old password was no longer valid, I had to reset my password. Following their instructions, I entered a new password and hit "Reset Password". That got me to a new dialog box requesting my email address. Entered it and received an email which took me to the original opening page. Hit login and entered my new password again and hit log in. Notice: Password invalid. Re-entered my new password and hit "Reset Password", again. Asked for email address again. New email. Same opening page. Same loop. What's going on?
No contact number other than to make a reservation. Live chat is 1 1/2 hour wait.
Why did they fix it? Go back to the old vendor please.
Hiking_Hunter
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018
The new website is in it's infancy. There will be more capabilities coming that were not possible with the old website which are described in the following article. Some of these are good, some I have reservations about, particularly the immediate inventory. I think there will be some challenges in making this work at some of the smaller campgrounds. Here's the article:

October 11 RV Travel
bukhrn
Explorer III
Oct 11, 2018
fdwt994 wrote:
I find it difficult to navigate, particularly when searching for available sites. Also, less photos of sites are available, and only my most recent stay is listed in my history, unlike the previous site that showed several years back.
only my last 4 are shown, also, I see NO Maps, CG or location. So they're still working on it, mean time you're SOL if you want to use it now. Why didn't they wait till they had it finished & tested BEFORE taking the old site down. :M :M