State Parks

[flathead92]

So BC ( before Covid) we didnt have to much of an issue getting res at AZ state parks. Now there like 6-8 months out. When we do get a res, and are there we see open spots everywhere, lots with names on posts BUT peeps never show. I SAY SCAM

[goducks10]

flathead92 wrote:
So BC ( before Covid) we didnt have to much of an issue getting res at AZ state parks. Now there like 6-8 months out. When we do get a res, and are there we see open spots everywhere, lots with names on posts BUT peeps never show. I SAY SCAM

what would the scam be? Why would any CG fake res? It's lost revenue.

[toedtoes]

There are various reasons.

First, do you check the dates on the tags to know for sure they are empty but reserved? I ask that because around here, if you are looking for a campsite online for 7 days or more, the system may say there's nothing or just one site available. However if you arrive during the weekdays, you may see a lot of empty campsites with tags on them. If you read the tags, you'll see they are all for the upcoming weekend only. The host/ranger puts them out up to 2 weeks prior to the reservation so any folks who haven't booked in advance know how long the site is empty for their use. Online they don't show available because they are booked for part of the time frame you want.

In some states, they do not require campers to "occupy the campsite the first night of the reservation". So folks will book for an entire two weeks only to use the site on the weekends. They often do this to nab the site before the "reservation opening date" for holiday weekends.

Or there is no limit to how many nights you can stay, so they book the entire season to guarantee they have a site for the few days they decide to go camping.

Or they book multiple reservations way in advance and don't know which dates they can take off work until that month. So they just eat the other weeks or cancel at the last moment.

Or the host/ranger is lazy and doesn't pull cancelled reservation tags timely.

Higher penalties, limiting reservation changes, requiring first night occupation, limiting maximum lengths of stay, etc, are all ways parks try to reduce the empty sites. Some work some don't.

[Veebyes]

Looks like the no-show penalty amounts are not high enough.

[azdryheat]

Cancellation policy is too liberal. If you cancel before 2:00pm the day before check-in the penalty is only $3.20. After that it costs one nights rental plus $3.20. If you arrive after noon the day after your first night then you forfeit all money. So you can cancel the day you're supposed to arrive and it is only one night plus the $3.20 to cancel. Should be more punitive to cancel to keep people from abusing the system.

[wildtoad]

Many folks book months, up to 13 months ahead (depending on state rules) and will have a change of plans. Maybe they call the park to cancel, maybe not. Rude is rude.

[Moderator]

Moved from ATC