Just experienced our first Non-refundable campground

[randot]

We finally had to face the sad facts and cancel our trip to Lake Almanor (burning up right now in the Dixie fire). I had made several reservations on the way to our final destination and had to start the process of cancelling those reservations. I came across a NO-REFUNDS policy at one of these campgrounds (credit card charged in full once reservation is made and no-refunds for any reason). Full disclosure, it does say this on the website when you make the reservation, but of course, at the time I had no reason to cancel. Also, just because it is in writing, that doesn’t negate the fact it is a crappy policy.
I understand a cancellation fee for late cancellations, but I cancelled this reservation more than three weeks out. Obviously, we all know that the campground will be able to re-book this site and not be out any money – did I mention it was for Labor Day weekend? I would really rather donate $100 to a firefighter charity than just let this campground take it.
Has anyone else run across such a crappy policy?

[Lantley]

capacitor wrote:
This is like the flip side of the coin. I made reservations in February for 4 sites at Dorst Creek campground in the Kings canyon and think it was a federal park. The reservations were for first week in July. Two weeks before this date I receive an email stating that they had cancelled two of my sites and they would refund my CC with no cancelation fee. I called the park and they said there is a dangerous tree over those two spots. I said I need four so please cancel my other two and refund me the cost. They said no problem but there was a cancellation fee. I asked nicely why as there was no fee on the other two and all were made at the same time. They told me too bad. How about them apples!

This is my point. I understand the cancellation policy.
But when covid, or wild fires or some event beyond the campers controls intercects with the plan some considerration should be given other than the standard line. Especially 3 weeks out when the site can be re booked!

[capacitor]

This is like the flip side of the coin. I made reservations in February for 4 sites at Dorst Creek campground in the Kings canyon and think it was a federal park. The reservations were for first week in July. Two weeks before this date I receive an email stating that they had cancelled two of my sites and they would refund my CC with no cancelation fee. I called the park and they said there is a dangerous tree over those two spots. I said I need four so please cancel my other two and refund me the cost. They said no problem but there was a cancellation fee. I asked nicely why as there was no fee on the other two and all were made at the same time. They told me too bad. How about them apples!

[capacitor]

He wouldn’t be canceling. They have their money and he has his site. Why are you so upset?

This thread should be closed!!

[toedtoes]

capacitor wrote:
Wow, you guys are tough! I would have called and said I have a vehicle problem but I would be there the next day. Then call again and said I’m on my way. This way they can’t double book. To hell with them.

Which could be why they have the policy in the first place - because people wait until the very last second to cancel so the can't re-book the site.

[brandilee888]

Yes and that's exactly why campgrounds charge a fee. 

[toedtoes]

randot wrote:
You know darn good and well your reason for posting was not to actually be quoted some percentage, but to voice your displeasure at having gotten yourself in a situation where you have forfeited a deposit., even though you knew the policy when you made your reservation. Righteous indignation at others for not posting as you wish they would isn’t going to get your money back or even garner you sympathy for a situation of your own making.


And so what if I did want to complain a bit, I would definitely be in the same company as you and toedtoes.

I haven't complained about anything here. I simply pointed out that people have a habit of ignoring policies and then complaining when they suddenly can't get an exception to the policies. We read the posts all the time. I shared some examples.

Go ahead and complain, but as you have read, the majority of people do not agree with your stance.

You have learned a valuable lesson - if you don't like the policies, go elsewhere. Otherwise, suck it up.

[randot]

You know darn good and well your reason for posting was not to actually be quoted some percentage, but to voice your displeasure at having gotten yourself in a situation where you have forfeited a deposit., even though you knew the policy when you made your reservation. Righteous indignation at others for not posting as you wish they would isn’t going to get your money back or even garner you sympathy for a situation of your own making.


And so what if I did want to complain a bit, I would definitely be in the same company as you and toedtoes.

[capacitor]

Wow, you guys are tough! I would have called and said I have a vehicle problem but I would be there the next day. Then call again and said I’m on my way. This way they can’t double book. To hell with them.

[wapiticountry]

randot wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
I think the OP did what so many do. He made the reservation knowing about the no refund policy but figuring it won't affect him.

Then he needed to cancel and it did affect him.

So now he has decided that no refund policies are unfair and we should somehow make these places change their policies so that he won't be faced with this again.

It's a common occurrence. You read the rules, you decide they won't be a problem, then you find out they are a problem for you and they should be forced to change their rules.

The RVer who wants to run the generator all night because it got hot, but generators are not allowed after 8 pm.

The camper who gets one campsite reserved and then finds out he's got 10 buddies coming and the site only allows 6.

The person who reserves a site with a "must be present for the first night or lose the reservation" and then finds out he has to work that first day.

The rules aren't bad until you have reason to want to ignore them. Then suddenly they are evil and must be changed.

Wow, just because I solicited information on how common it might be that campgrounds have a no-refund policy, I now am guilty of running my generator outside of hours, walking through peoples’ campsites, having way over the limit of people in my campsite, and kicking puppies. Starting to remember why I stopped posting much here.

I don’t believe there is any accurate statistical analysis to answer your original question. All you possibly expect is anecdotal experiences from fellow RVers. It is my belief that most parks have some sort of cancellation policy. It will most likely be tailored to their specific situation.
In the end, this is a discussion forum, not a depository of facts. You know darn good and well your reason for posting was not to actually be quoted some percentage, but to voice your displeasure at having gotten yourself in a situation where you have forfeited a deposit., even though you knew the policy when you made your reservation. Righteous indignation at others for not posting as you wish they would isn’t going to get your money back or even garner you sympathy for a situation of your own making.

[toedtoes]

randot wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
I think the OP did what so many do. He made the reservation knowing about the no refund policy but figuring it won't affect him.

Then he needed to cancel and it did affect him.

So now he has decided that no refund policies are unfair and we should somehow make these places change their policies so that he won't be faced with this again.

It's a common occurrence. You read the rules, you decide they won't be a problem, then you find out they are a problem for you and they should be forced to change their rules.

The RVer who wants to run the generator all night because it got hot, but generators are not allowed after 8 pm.

The camper who gets one campsite reserved and then finds out he's got 10 buddies coming and the site only allows 6.

The person who reserves a site with a "must be present for the first night or lose the reservation" and then finds out he has to work that first day.

The rules aren't bad until you have reason to want to ignore them. Then suddenly they are evil and must be changed.

Wow, just because I solicited information on how common it might be that campgrounds have a no-refund policy, I now am guilty of running my generator outside of hours, walking through peoples’ campsites, having way over the limit of people in my campsite, and kicking puppies. Starting to remember why I stopped posting much here.

You didn't ask how common no refund policies are. You complained that even though you knew the policy before making reservations, you suddenly consider it a "crappy policy" because the park didn't waive it for you.

If you don't like a company's policies then take your business elsewhere. But don't do business with them and the complain about their policies that you knew beforehand.

The fact is, you were fine with their policy until it affected you.

[randot]

toedtoes wrote:
I think the OP did what so many do. He made the reservation knowing about the no refund policy but figuring it won't affect him.

Then he needed to cancel and it did affect him.

So now he has decided that no refund policies are unfair and we should somehow make these places change their policies so that he won't be faced with this again.

It's a common occurrence. You read the rules, you decide they won't be a problem, then you find out they are a problem for you and they should be forced to change their rules.

The RVer who wants to run the generator all night because it got hot, but generators are not allowed after 8 pm.

The camper who gets one campsite reserved and then finds out he's got 10 buddies coming and the site only allows 6.

The person who reserves a site with a "must be present for the first night or lose the reservation" and then finds out he has to work that first day.

The rules aren't bad until you have reason to want to ignore them. Then suddenly they are evil and must be changed.

Wow, just because I solicited information on how common it might be that campgrounds have a no-refund policy, I now am guilty of running my generator outside of hours, walking through peoples’ campsites, having way over the limit of people in my campsite, and kicking puppies. Starting to remember why I stopped posting much here.

[Crowe]

Sure but the cost of the tickets is so much higher, you could cancel and lose your money on 50% of non-refundable tickets and still come out ahead.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I spent many years as a corporate travel coordinator. It's all about risk and timing. But we digress.

[toedtoes]

I think the OP did what so many do. He made the reservation knowing about the no refund policy but figuring it won't affect him.

Then he needed to cancel and it did affect him.

So now he has decided that no refund policies are unfair and we should somehow make these places change their policies so that he won't be faced with this again.

It's a common occurrence. You read the rules, you decide they won't be a problem, then you find out they are a problem for you and they should be forced to change their rules.

The RVer who wants to run the generator all night because it got hot, but generators are not allowed after 8 pm.

The camper who gets one campsite reserved and then finds out he's got 10 buddies coming and the site only allows 6.

The person who reserves a site with a "must be present for the first night or lose the reservation" and then finds out he has to work that first day.

The rules aren't bad until you have reason to want to ignore them. Then suddenly they are evil and must be changed.

[2_Retired]

The no refund policy was clearly stated when you made your reservation. No refund means exactly that - no refund. Was there any kind of statement that outlined a timeline for the no refund policy? I do know some campgrounds allow for at least a partial refund if a cancelation is made more than 10 days out from date of arrival. If there was no such timeline, what did you expect from the owners? A personal exemption from their policy? Honestly do not understand your consternation. We recently had reservations in a CG in Florida, in anticipation of a month long trip to the area in September. Due to the high rate of Covid in that state, we decided to go elsewhere. I called the CG, explaining our rationale for canceling. They do NOT have a "no refund policy" posted on their online site. There was no question, no argument, no hesitation. Our deposit was quickly returned. I chose this campground for several reasons, but one was the absence of a no refund policy. I did anticipate a fee for our change of plans, precisely because it was done with a credit card and the campground is charged a fee for every transaction. Even that did not occur! We will definitely use this park (Compass RV Park in St. Augustine) when we visit in the future!