I made a reservation about a month ago for Topsail State Park for March and noticed on my credit card that, January 16 a credit card charge for $64.95. This charge went to "The Active Network". I called the 877 phone number listed for them and had the charge explained as being from Reserve America and removed by a very rude person, supposedly in San Diago.I went on the Reserve America site again this morning and went through the reservation process up to the "confirmation" step. The Active Network was no longer mentioned. However, at this point I was asked to check 3 magazines for free 3 months, after which my credit card would be charged a very expensive renewal for each magazine. There was no box available to opt out of this offer, although I would hope, with no guarantee, that the magazines would not be selected for you if you ignored this step. Of course you could cancel during the 3 months if you knew and remembered where and how to do so.I don't remember The Active Network being there when I checked out in December, but I have been caught by websites that have boxes checked, by default, and you could be signed up for an unwanted service unintentionally. I asked the agent I talked with if this was the case but he would not confirm or deny and became more rude when pressed for an answer.Went back and looked at my printed confirmation of the reservation this was not mentioned.

This has gone on with Reserve America for years. I'm surprised you hadn't encountered it before. I always complain to the states official website because they use Reserve America. It really bothers me that I have to pay a fee to use their services to reserve a space in a campground that can be located 2 miles from my house and the fact that they seem to know nothing about the individual campgrounds. If you search on their site, you can find the information so they should be able to do it, but apparently they don't want to take the time to do it. Just irks me, but most state parks are going to using them because it's cheaper than hiring someone to do it "in state".

TN State Parks do not use Reserve America, thank goodness. I hope they never do. You can make reservations online, or actually call the parks. The reservation system seems to be able to communicate with the parks, which is pretty amazing (although hotels manage it all the time.)

Merrykalia wrote:This has gone on with Reserve America for years. I'm surprised you hadn't encountered it before. I always complain to the states official website because they use Reserve America. It really bothers me that I have to pay a fee to use their services to reserve a space in a campground that can be located 2 miles from my house and the fact that they seem to know nothing about the individual campgrounds. If you search on their site, you can find the information so they should be able to do it, but apparently they don't want to take the time to do it. Just irks me, but most state parks are going to using them because it's cheaper than hiring someone to do it "in state".1. Why does it bother you to pay a small fee for services. Reserve America is not in business to lose money.2. Reserve America relies on information provided to them by park management and they are not going to send investigators to verify the information. For example, a SP in MD described every campsite in their park as accommodating a rig up to 25'. A phone call to the park ranger revealed that several sites could take rigs of 35' or more.3. I find the information on RA, the maps, the photos, etc., to be generally useful, but if I have a specific question, I call the park.4. Having said all that, I find it ethically wrong for RA to charge a fee AND sell/use the information for questionable marketing practices.

Never had a problem with RA.Might look into using a virtual credit card if your bank card offers them.

I had to fight that "Active Network" battle a couple of years ago. Finally got a refund, but it was a battle. Rudest "customer Service" people I've ever run into.Also beware of cancelling a reservation made through RA. The "Fee" is outrageous!

Beware "Reserve America" | Good Sam Community

Merrykalia
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
This has gone on with Reserve America for years. I'm surprised you hadn't encountered it before. I always complain to the states official website because they use Reserve America. It really bothers me that I have to pay a fee to use their services to reserve a space in a campground that can be located 2 miles from my house and the fact that they seem to know nothing about the individual campgrounds. If you search on their site, you can find the information so they should be able to do it, but apparently they don't want to take the time to do it. Just irks me, but most state parks are going to using them because it's cheaper than hiring someone to do it "in state".
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2016
TN State Parks do not use Reserve America, thank goodness. I hope they never do. You can make reservations online, or actually call the parks. The reservation system seems to be able to communicate with the parks, which is pretty amazing (although hotels manage it all the time.)
RRinNFla
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
Merrykalia wrote:
This has gone on with Reserve America for years. I'm surprised you hadn't encountered it before. I always complain to the states official website because they use Reserve America. It really bothers me that I have to pay a fee to use their services to reserve a space in a campground that can be located 2 miles from my house and the fact that they seem to know nothing about the individual campgrounds. If you search on their site, you can find the information so they should be able to do it, but apparently they don't want to take the time to do it. Just irks me, but most state parks are going to using them because it's cheaper than hiring someone to do it "in state".

1. Why does it bother you to pay a small fee for services. Reserve America is not in business to lose money.
2. Reserve America relies on information provided to them by park management and they are not going to send investigators to verify the information. For example, a SP in MD described every campsite in their park as accommodating a rig up to 25'. A phone call to the park ranger revealed that several sites could take rigs of 35' or more.
3. I find the information on RA, the maps, the photos, etc., to be generally useful, but if I have a specific question, I call the park.
4. Having said all that, I find it ethically wrong for RA to charge a fee AND sell/use the information for questionable marketing practices.
RedRollingRoadb
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
Never had a problem with RA.

Might look into using a virtual credit card if your bank card offers them.
Allworth
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2016
I had to fight that "Active Network" battle a couple of years ago. Finally got a refund, but it was a battle. Rudest "customer Service" people I've ever run into.

Also beware of cancelling a reservation made through RA. The "Fee" is outrageous!
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2016
Count me in as another person who dislikes RA.

$17 to cancel or change, plus a fee to reserve. Then the BS magazine subscription scam.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2016
Just don't check any magazines and nothing will be done. By checking the magazines, you agree to the renewal.

The other charge was after that screen and you have to skip that page, think there is a "no thanks" way, but not sure. Am sure there is a way to decline, skip, ignore, or some other means. However, it is worded to seem like you need to click it to confirm your reservation.

I've used reserveamerica often and never have been charged for magazine of Acitve Network charge but can see how someone could click the wrong place and incur the charges.
monkey44
Nomad II
Jan 21, 2016
Never will use RA for anything again, ever. The fees are outrageous, and whoever said it's less expensive then hiring a tech is probably incorrect.

If you add the reserve fees AND the cancel fees, techs could be hired to monitor the system easily. It's convenience for the parks, not expense is my guess.

And the fees apply whether you rent one day or two weeks. And, if you can't find a site for two weeks and want it, and are willing to move - the fee is charged for EACH move.

If we pay for a service, we should get 'full service' especially for that rate. Bare minimal service is unacceptable - another private company gouging the parks systems for accelerated profits.

Was once $3.00 and is now over $9.00, and cancel is $17 ...
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
I ran into this with several other websites also. I've had my account debited for stuff I did not agree to.

I called them with the threat of reporting them for, a theft by deception, for not 'clearly' stating it and 'providing an opt out button'. Got all my money back in nano seconds. They DO KNOW that this is deceptive and illegal practice.

This is a practice that really should be reported each and every time by users when it happens but most people rarely do.

BTW: talk to your state park in person. You will find out that you DO NOT 'have' to use reserve america at many of them. Also the CG's that state you have to use Reserve America? Same thing. You CAN make reservations directly. They all just hope you use RA to reduce the phone calls. :W

I refuse to use Reserve America.
Cottontop
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
Thanks for the information you have all of us to be aware off. Now we can look closer at the page and make sure to uncheck when sign for reservation.