I am of a different philosophy-- Plan way out in advance and make the trip the best experience we can. We don't camp a lot, maybe 2-3 big trips a year, but we want State parks, Provincial parks in Canada, National Parks.. and for that you need to be 9-10 months out with reservations to get the best sites. Next Fall we are doing a 3000 mile, 30 day loop from NJ to Lake placid, NY, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Campabello Island, Acadia National Park in Maine and Cape Cod, Ma. For that kind of distance and expense I am willing to plan it completely now , choose the very best sites in the best campgrounds so it is a trip to remember. And unfortunately in this day and age, you need to be way way out on reservations or end up disappointed, frustrated and stressed out not being able to find spots to camp in a beautiful setting or near the place you intended to be. I enjoy planning exactly the distance we want to travel each time we pack up and head out and know what kind of CG and site we will have. The days of stopping at a decent place with no reservations are long over unless you are going at the total off season when it is cold or every attraction is shut down for the season.. no fun in that! To each his own!
