Arriving late.

[_tpc_]

So staying at a state park this weekend. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we are leaving a couple hours later than originally planned, which puts us behind schedule, likely making our arrival after midnight.

Our original site for the weekend was booked for this first day, but since mostly a travel day we chose another site down from ours, so after the first night we will have to switch. Thankfully, this site is a much longer site, so my thought was to just pull straight in, leave hooked up, and go to bed. Get up in the morning and change sites after ours opens up.

The question is, is it ok to arrive this late? I couldn't find much information other than you have to let them know if more than 24 hours late, and if they aren't there to check you in, there is a form to fill out and put in a drop box.

I am also unsure about filling with water that late, though I suppose I can do it prior to moving to the other site the next day.

Has anyone else had experience arriving this late?

[cmeade]

A thought --- a lot of answers support just pulling in and going to bed. My refer in my old class A was very fussy about being level. My new 5er has auto level and I can sneak in late. Pulling up on blocks in my MH reminds me of a stampede and I don't think I want to wake everybody up.

[Veebyes]

Sometimes a late arrival is unavoidable. May have one coming up myself shortly.

Get in, keep the engine running to a minimum, keep the door opening & closing to a minimum, do a minimum that needs to be done & leave the rest till morning.

Really hate those who arrive late & leave early making all kinds of noise at both ends. That is the situation that Walmart is for.

[_tpc_]

Thanks all for the replies. I mainly asked here so I could get a good sample size of general feelings towards it. I knew if I asked here, folks wouldn't be afraid to respond to the topic.

My plan is still unchanged, I have even gone so far as to make sure I can have my headlights off and either fogs or parking lights on so as to be as least disturbing as possible.

I have also called and informed the park of my late, after midnight arrival. They said that it was no problem and they took my name to hand off to the ranger who will be on at that time of night. So I don't see that this will be an issue.

As for water, probably just going to deal with that in the morning as it looks like water hookups might be not the easiest to deal with. Unless there is one be the sanitation station, but the map is unclear.

[vortec22]

I was told by a ranger I am friends with in the local state park that they couldn't lock the gates, mainly due to the need for access for emergency vehicles. Not saying it is that way everywhere, but around here the gates only close if the park is closed for some reason.

[Crowe]

Travel with some water in fresh water tank.
Arrive at CG/drive slowly to CG site using parking lights if possible
Pull in/turn off vehicle....go to bed...........Shush/be quiet others are sleeping

Agree.

Remember it's YOUR fault for arriving late......not the other campers

Spit happens. It's also people's "fault" when they get up at 4 or 5 a.m. because they want an early start. The same type of care should be given in that situation.

As long as the gate is open and you are as quiet as possible, don't worry about it and if anyone complains, just apologize. Most of us at one time or another have had some sort of issue along the way that has affected our schedule. There is the option of arriving the next day instead, but to me that's losing at least 1/2 day of my time off.

[2gypsies1]

I'd just pull into a WalMart or truck stop if arriving at midnight. Saves money and disturbing neighbors.

[Old-Biscuit]

Travel with some water in fresh water tank.
Arrive at CG/drive slowly to CG site using parking lights if possible
Pull in/turn off vehicle....go to bed...........Shush/be quiet others are sleeping


Remember it's YOUR fault for arriving late......not the other campers :B

[JesLookin]

In WI state parks you are not allowed to set up camp after 10 or 11??

[Hondavalk]

wing_zealot wrote:

mgirardo wrote:
Most state parks we've been to have a locking gate with either a combination lock or electronic access. The code is handed out at check in. You might be able to call ahead and get the code.

That being said, when we had a travel trailer, we did late arrivals a lot, usually at KOAs since most have well documented after hours arrival procedures and most have Pull Thrus. I wouldn't want to wake people up trying to back into a site at night. Now with the Motorhome, we usually just stop at Wal-mart and head to the campground in the morning.

-Michael

I've been to lots and lots of state parks in Michigan, the only time they close the gate is when the close the campground down for winter (providing it's not a year round campground.

Same here in Ohio. Late arrivals are no problem.

[wing_zealot]

mgirardo wrote:
Most state parks we've been to have a locking gate with either a combination lock or electronic access. The code is handed out at check in. You might be able to call ahead and get the code.

That being said, when we had a travel trailer, we did late arrivals a lot, usually at KOAs since most have well documented after hours arrival procedures and most have Pull Thrus. I wouldn't want to wake people up trying to back into a site at night. Now with the Motorhome, we usually just stop at Wal-mart and head to the campground in the morning.

-Michael

I've been to lots and lots of state parks in Michigan, the only time they close the gate is when the close the campground down for winter (providing it's not a year round campground.

[mgirardo]

Most state parks we've been to have a locking gate with either a combination lock or electronic access. The code is handed out at check in. You might be able to call ahead and get the code.

That being said, when we had a travel trailer, we did late arrivals a lot, usually at KOAs since most have well documented after hours arrival procedures and most have Pull Thrus. I wouldn't want to wake people up trying to back into a site at night. Now with the Motorhome, we usually just stop at Wal-mart and head to the campground in the morning.

-Michael

[momentum_rv]

{tpc} wrote:
so my thought was to just pull straight in, leave hooked up, and go to bed. Get up in the morning and change sites after ours opens up.

Do this... good to go!

[MarkTwain]

2012Coleman wrote:
How can anyone on RV.net answer this? Please call the park before they close.

Here is my attempt to answer the question of "late arrivals". Late arrivals, barking dogs, loud music, yelling and screaming kids, obnoxious barking dogs, dog owners allowing their "precious" dogs pooping/peeing right in my camp site all fall in the same category.
If I am sitting in my RV reading a book, watching TV or taliking with friends and am not subjected to any of the above mentioned situations then "arriving late" is ok with me.

[Bumpyroad]

2012Coleman wrote:
How can anyone on RV.net answer this? Please call the park before they close.

x2m and I would exchange emails also so you have a record.
bumpy

[2012Coleman]

How can anyone on RV.net answer this? Please call the park before they close.