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Arriving late.

_tpc_
Explorer
Explorer
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?
67 REPLIES 67

kvangil
Explorer
Explorer
Like others mentioned...If the park's gates are not closed and you know they'll let you in that late, it's OK to do so as long as you're considerate of the other campers around you. Personally, if we were going to be arriving at midnight, we just wait for the next AM, because I hate setting up in the middle of the night....
2004 Jayco X23b
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4

We_Cant_Wait
Explorer
Explorer
If you're going to arriving THAT LATE why not just WAIT till the next A.M. and then go right into the site you've reserved. Thus not having to switch sites, or possible wake all the neighbors around your site.

dennislanier
Explorer
Explorer
BB_TX wrote:
Best to call the park. Some close the gates after a certain time.

And if you are allowed to arrive that late, just do it as quietly as you can. Your neighbors will appreciate it.


That is exactly what I would do. At least in Georgia where we stay a lot, most state parks close the gates at 10 PM. Don't know which state park you are going to (Michigan ?) but I would not travel very far from home without knowing the park policy on late arrivals.

Once you arrive, my advice would be to park the unit and do as LITTLE as possible to get ready for bed and unhook the next day. Aside from disturbing the neighbors, setting up in darkness can be a little hazardous.

But first, call the park and find out about their particular policy. Even some parks in the same state have different protocols for their campers.

wandering1
Explorer
Explorer
So why dont you call the state park and ask????
HR

D___M
Explorer
Explorer
{tpc} wrote:

The question is, is it ok to arrive this late?


It's okay by me.
Dave
Mary, the world's best wife (1951-2009) R.I.P
Lizzy (a Boston)
Izzy, Pepper & BuddyP - Gone but not forgotten
2005 Itasca Suncruiser 35A

My computer beat me at chess once; but it was no match for me at kickboxing.

vortec22
Explorer
Explorer
No problems arriving late in any of the state or Corps parks we have camped at.
2015 Chevy Silverado 3500 CC LTZ Z71 Duramax/Allison 4x4

BB_TX
Nomad
Nomad
Best to call the park. Some close the gates after a certain time.

And if you are allowed to arrive that late, just do it as quietly as you can. Your neighbors will appreciate it.

paulcardoza
Explorer
Explorer
It depends on what's around you. If there are campers in adjoining sites, I would pull in, shut down and hit the sack as quickly and quietly as possible.

If you won't be bothering anyone nearby, do whatever you want to do. Stuff happens and getting there very late can always be a possibility. As long as you minimize the commotion as much as possible, others will just have to deal with it.
Paul & Sandra
Plymouth, MA
2014 Heartland Cyclone 4100 King