Why do They Do this???

[happybooker1]

When I pull into a campsite and want to know how shady it is (or not), I don't give a FLIP if the tables in the shade. Or the tent pad. I want to know if the DRIVEWAY's in the shade? You know, where I'll be parking my TT!!

Invariably the Rangers will look at their list or computer and say "yep, full shade" and when I get to the site I'll find the DRIVEWAY in FULL all-day sun, but sure enough, that table is in the shade.

Ugh!

[magnusfide]

RoyB wrote:
Everytime we visit camp grounds or actually stay at campgrounds we always add the best sites for us on their campground map and scan it into the computer for future use. We usually take a few pictures as well...

Has paid off for us many times.....

Roy Ken

Exactly what we do. Certain repeat trips we make to visit family have us at the same cg most of the time. We also have other plan b cgs that we've already explored and know the best sites that meet our preferences. The Google Earth idea is good too. Even RA doesn't have photos for all cgs. We avoid using RA for other reasons but that's another thread that's already been discussed.

[dahkota]

Yeah, I would've thought the same thing. Especially since I have solar panels and prefer to be in full sun when dry camping. However, after spending the last three weeks in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, in full sun, I now prefer at least 1/2 shade when camping where it is over 90 degrees most of the day.

In Arizona, in 112 degree heat, with absolutely no shade, at about 5PM our tt was 92 degrees inside. With the a/c on full blast. One incredibly hot morning, it was 80 degrees inside by 9:30AM (it was over 95 outside).

So, if I know it will be a very hot day, at least partial shade on the driveway is preferable.

[michigansandzil]

I don't care if the driveway is shaded b/c I'm under the roof. I care if the outside area is shaded.

[twins89]

We use google earth to look down on the campground/rv park and see what looks the best,. If you have two windows open; one with the park map layout and the other with google earth you can usually see well if the driveway is surrounded by trees or not.

[bluie5]

I'm glad we use ReserveAmerica in Wisconsin and the Midwest. You can usually see a picture of the site before you make the reservation. You also reserve a specific site and not just a spot in the park when you get there. I've seen pictures of sites on Recreation.gov when making COE reservations also.

[happybooker1]

In Texas there's no site-specific ressies. You DO get to pick from what's available when you're in the office. However, once you "pick" few parks will suggest/let you get another site you feel is better.

If they do, it involves driving BACK to the main office, possibly standing in line AGAIN, and after those 5-20 minutes have passed you're likely to find the spot you wanted is GONE now, thus repeating the process all over again.

I HAVE driven around the park & found 4-5 sites to pick from, but still have to go back to the main office so I can get the proper paperwork to display on my windshield. Towing a trailer -- it's not my favorite thing to do.

[mgirardo]

NY RVer wrote:
That's wishful thinking here in the Northeast. At a good number of campgrounds, even when you reserve, you are only reserving a spot, not a specific site; they decide where to put you when you get there.

That's basically what Rob said. In GA State Parks you reserve a spot at the campground. They don't assign sites. The State Parks in GA we've been to tell us what sites are open at check-in and we drive around and pick one we like. We've never reported back to the rangers which site we took, we just hang the permit on the post.

-Michael

[Mn_Hkr]

Along the same lines, I used to ask for a "Satellite" friendly site. After the glazed look with no reply from the office folks I thought of an easier way to ask. I had built a bracket on my trailer's hitch for mounting my dish, I asked for a south facing lot. Most office people don't understand North from South. I even know of seasoned campers who think their door side is the "facing" side.

[NY_RVer]

robsouth wrote:
Most parks in GA will tell you to go find the site you like and come back and let them know which you picked and give you the little card to put on the post. Don't they all work that way if you cannot reserve a specific spot ahead of time?

That's wishful thinking here in the Northeast. At a good number of campgrounds, even when you reserve, you are only reserving a spot, not a specific site; they decide where to put you when you get there.

[RoyB]

Everytime we visit camp grounds or actually stay at campgrounds we always add the best sites for us on their campground map and scan it into the computer for future use. We usually take a few pictures as well...

Has paid off for us many times...

Roy Ken

[robsouth]

Most parks in GA will tell you to go find the site you like and come back and let them know which you picked and give you the little card to put on the post. Don't they all work that way if you cannot reserve a specific spot ahead of time?

[skipnchar]

Why not drive by and see for yourself rather than asking? Might find other sites that you like better for even OTHER reasons.