Theres always discussion, dissent, preference to or not to reserve. Many past and recent threads point to individual preference to 'Wing It'. I fully understand that freedom to pull off the road whenever the fancy strikes for a night or longer, and it used to be that way, we could, years ago. Camps of all kinds had open sites, and they were many. The changing regulatory and land value climate has changed all that. I invite your comments on closures and new camps. I am one that has been denied a short time arrival site because of reservations , or the camp was full even when off high season due to an area construction project or natural disaster. The popularity and rising #s of RV sales, the anticipated use of them is out pacing construction of new parks and sites to accommodate that growth, while at the same time parks in high real estate value are selling out to condo developers. The land is simply worth more for other development than a camp. New private Rv parks or expansion in public parks are not keeping pace with demand, primarily in destination parts of the nation due to the cost or availability of land, or regulations to develop it. Tell us about the loss of camps you know of gone to developers, or the price increases to keep them, lack of replacements and increase if any in site numbers to grow with demand, or have fallen behind it.

There were over 274,000 RVs shipped last year and a projection of over 281,000 for 2016. That is a lot of new RVs and a lot of new RVers. No doubt the increased demand will eventually lead to more difficulty in finding a site on short notice, especially in popular areas or popular travel routes.

Years ago we were just passing thru Albuquerque and didn't know there was a balloon festival. Two campgrounds were full and we drove another 20 miles that day, no big deal, we were just passing thru.This spring we stopped at Gulf Shore state park for a week and it was spring break and the place was mobbed, we had to move once to stay a week, no big deal. I will still not make reservations.It happened twice in the last 6 or 7 years and it never happened the 20 some years so it may be a bigger problem then it use to be but not bad.

Depends on where you are going, and what is happening there.

I don't feel the shortage. Yes in tourist destinations or Holidays you will need reservations, But if you are just looking to getaway there is always a last minute spot available.Now if you're trying to go to your favorite place in a popular area you maybe out of luck. But if you just want a decent spot and are not afraid of State Parks and are willing to pay commercial prices you will be able to find a site.Too many times people limit their options with their own hang ups and are not willing to be adventurous and just go.

I'm against reservations, so I avoid tourist traps aka popular destinations and seasons.Self employed I take vacation time when it fits my customers schedules or my tolerance of stupidity is exhausted, rather than mark it on a calendar 12mo ahead of time.That's frustrating locally for weekend warrior camping, all but the most remote and rustic parks in Michigan are sold out for the summer before Valentine's day in February.I'm going to try and break from my comfort zone this summer and maybe try urban boondocking, although I envision it being much harder with a towed camper versus motorhome, TC or van.

camp reservations - or wing it? Weigh the choice.

Lauren
Explorer
May 11, 2016
I agree with westernrvparkowner.
mdcamping
Explorer
May 11, 2016
SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Theres always discussion, dissent, preference to or not to reserve. Many past and recent threads point to individual preference to 'Wing It'. I fully understand that freedom to pull off the road whenever the fancy strikes for a night or longer, and it used to be that way, we could, years ago. Camps of all kinds had open sites, and they were many. The changing regulatory and land value climate has changed all that. I invite your comments on closures and new camps.
I am one that has been denied a short time arrival site because of reservations , or the camp was full even when off high season due to an area construction project or natural disaster.

The popularity and rising #s of RV sales, the anticipated use of them is out pacing construction of new parks and sites to accommodate that growth, while at the same time parks in high real estate value are selling out to condo developers. The land is simply worth more for other development than a camp.

New private Rv parks or expansion in public parks are not keeping pace with demand, primarily in destination parts of the nation due to the cost or availability of land, or regulations to develop it.
Tell us about the loss of camps you know of gone to developers, or the price increases to keep them, lack of replacements and increase if any in site numbers to grow with demand, or have fallen behind it.

I know of 4 private campgrounds that have opened in the past few years in my area, Here in the Northeast costs are high and the business climate not so good.... seems someone is looking to make money even in our neck of the woods.

Mike
Crowe
Explorer
May 11, 2016
I just fail to see the "Goodwill". The Goodwill earned with the walk-in is just replacing the Goodwill you lose telling someone you don't have a space available, when actually you did.

I'm not a hotelier, just repeating what I've been told.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
May 10, 2016
Crowe wrote:
Why would a park turn away a reservation to hold open a site for someone who is "winging it"?

It's a common practice among some hotels. It's considered a "good will" gesture so that they can accommodate everyone or people with last minute emergencies. If the demand starts to exceed supply then the risk is low that the site won't be taken. It's just a possible scenario, not a decree.
I just fail to see the "Goodwill". The Goodwill earned with the walk-in is just replacing the Goodwill you lose telling someone you don't have a space available, when actually you did.
Crowe
Explorer
May 10, 2016
Why would a park turn away a reservation to hold open a site for someone who is "winging it"?

It's a common practice among some hotels. It's considered a "good will" gesture so that they can accommodate everyone or people with last minute emergencies. If the demand starts to exceed supply then the risk is low that the site won't be taken. It's just a possible scenario, not a decree.
junmy3
Explorer
May 10, 2016
We are taking our grandson to the Grand Canyon this summer. We have already made reservations there and near Denver where we will be staying for a geocaching event on the 3rd of July. No need to want to go somewhere and not find a good place to stay. Just how we operate.
pitch
Explorer II
May 10, 2016
We always reserve for our destination, always.
Never for stops enroute. We have never failed to find an open spot when we needed it. We stop someplace where there is wifi mid afternoon and locate a spot. I don't think we have ever made more than three calls to find something.

I will admit that some of these places we end up are "interesting" and chock full of "colorful" characters, but for an overnite who cares.

Maybe if you are the kind that likes gated communities,security or judge your fellow man by his "accomplishments" and material possessions this may not be for you, but it works well for us!
westernrvparkow
Explorer
May 10, 2016
Crowe wrote:
Thanks for the cg owner's perspective. Interestingly enough, this can be interpreted two ways: 1. Reservations should definitely be made or 2. Campground owners should be more willing to leave sites unreserved for those who like to "wing it" as they should get taken due to higher demand. On the down side, if demand suddenly decreases then there could be too many open spaces causing economic hardship on the campgrounds.

There were over 274,000 RVs shipped last year and a projection of over 281,000 for 2016. That is a lot of new RVs and a lot of new RVers.

That depends. Are these for people who are just starting the lifestyle or are they upgrades for existing RVers? What is the "net" number of people, i.e. how many are starting versus how many are leaving? I've no doubt the numbers are increasing but one must be careful without all the necessary factors weighed in.
Why would a park turn away a reservation to hold open a site for someone who is "winging it"? The reservation is a sure thing, the "winging it" customer may or may not show up on our doorstep. The only business model where it would make sense to hold open sites for the "winging it" crowd would be one where those last minute sites were rented for a substantial premium over the reservations. I personally don't think a site that can be reserved for $40.00 a night but costs $60.00 if you are a walk up customer would go over very well. Anybody feel differently?
colochoclab
Explorer
May 10, 2016
I agree with 4runnerguy. Personally, I have definitely noticed the increase in camping traffic, especially on weekends. For us, reservations are the only way to go. I like knowing that a spot awaits us when we arrive. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of time driving around looking for a spot to camp. They say it's not about the destination, but the journey, but we enjoy going to a specific place for the destination (The "journey" is sometimes a perk!)
We mostly do state parks and I do notice at least one spot in a camping area/loop that is not reservable on-line and is for walk-up only. In Colorado, the reservation window generally opens 6 months in advance. If you want a spot on a popular weekend or holiday, you better reserve when the window starts! Just my 2 cents.
nickthehunter
Nomad II
May 10, 2016
GordonThree wrote:
I don't really see how it costs the government any money to leave an already rustic campground open during the off season. There's no bathrooms to clean, no money tube to empty... usfs law enforcement are still on the payroll and could drive through now and then, they're not seasonal workers.

My opinion of the company is pretty low.
I have a hunting shack on 13 acres of land I own, surrounded by a few hundred acres of also privately owned land. It's only accessible by about a 1 mile drive down a two track (private road with a gate no less) and then a quarter mile hike through the woods. My hunting shack has been used for target practice, a bathroom stall and everything else. It's only a plywood shack with 4 walls. An improved facility, on public land, down an improved road wouldn't have a chance. NO Cost you say; I'll bet you wouldn't leave your pickup parked next to the restroom in "off season" and go away for about a week.

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