When to get reservations - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Larryj41 · RV-Dreams Community Member

When to get reservations

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

We get reservations for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend. Since we wanted to have the same spot each winter, we would make winter reservations when we left the year before but only because we wanted the same spot. Now for places like the Keys, I think the state park reservation system lets people reserve a year in advance, so you have to reserve early. Also as you travel you will find that a lot of state parks also open their sites up to reservations starting in January for the coming summer - which means that by the 2nd or 3rd of Jan lots of sites will already be booked for every weekend for the summer and people usually don't bother canceling those reservations if their plans change, etc. So they sit empty if it is raining, etc. One of the reasons we became turned off on state parks - - we just don't plan that far ahead - plus the charging extra for those towing a car unless they have the state annual pass. COE parks, which we really love, can be booked 6 months in advance, but most often they seem not to be booked full months in advance.

Barb

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know I'm having a real problem with that. As I've come to learn, most of my plans are made in bubbles so no matter how far out in advance I plan, things often tend to change at the last minute, so where I've booked my site I can't always be there when I want to, and then I'm stuck scrambling to find a place to stay (at least here in FL during the winter when pretty much everywhere is full).

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're also having a big problem with this whole "reservation thing" that seems to be happening at almost all state and national parks. We're even seeing it in county and even a few city parks that we've stayed at. As far as I'm concerned, the reservation system takes away much of the freedom to go where and when you want. In most cases, we simply don't know where we'll be even a week or two in advance, much less 6 month to a year ahead of time.

So far, we've still been able to find a place to stay each nigh, but it is getting more difficult. As you can probably tell, we don't like the reservation system at all!!

Jim

TomW · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't travel full time, just take extended trips, but I'm the type of guy that likes to positively know I have a place to stay thus I do make reservations. Besides the situations previously mentioned, I've ran across some commercial RV parks that don't want to take reservations much in the future.

When I began making reservations last December for our trip to the RV Dreams Spring Rally, I had one place tell me to 'just show up' and another asked me to 'call back in March'. The first place was in northern California in very early April so it is probably still their off season but the second was in Alpine, Tx, mid-April, so I booked at another place in town. A third place catered to seasonals and did not want to make an overnight reservation more than a week out.

Other places, like state & federal parks that use ReserveAmerica or similar systems, usually allow reservations up to 9 months in advance but you do compete with the summer planners. I got all of mine of this type for this trip, even a couple along the Natches Trace in late April that surprised me.

I've found that some RV parks with affiliations to groups like AOR, ROD, etc. allocate a set number of sites to the affiliation discount and once that allocation is gone then no more discount. This makes getting your reservation done as early as your membership allows important. Other membership parks, like the RPI affiliated Thousand Trails/Encore system, REQUIRE reservations but the advance time frame is relatively short (30, 60, 90 days). Then there are the affiliations like Good Sam, AARP, AAA, etc. that give you the discount and don't require reservations.

If I was TRAVELING full time I don't think I'd make reservations much more than a week or two out except for places I wanted to either have a specific site or wanted to spend an extended time at, such as wintering in the south.

-- Edited by TomW on Monday 16th of March 2015 11:30:15 AM

-- Edited by TomW on Monday 16th of March 2015 11:33:23 AM

-- Edited by TomW on Tuesday 17th of March 2015 08:35:30 PM

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Usually around national and state parks you can locate private RV resorts/campgrounds. If I can't get a reservation at a Nat'l or State Park we want to stay in I will search within 50 miles for a private campground. If we end up outside of the Nat'l/State Park we make day trips in to see the sights. We've actually found some really great RV Resorts because the Nat'l/State parks were full.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We do tend to make a lot of reservations, but then again, due to our art show schedule we have specific dates known 4-8 months in advance so that kind of planning is easy to do.

I still make reservations at some state parks, but there are states such as WA and CA that have become far too punitive in their change / cancellation policies. For example, in AZ I only lose a $5 deposit if I cancel, if I change there's no charge. In WA last summer we decided to leave one night early, for a $42/night spot based on their cancelation policy I didn't even bother to cancel, we would have only gotten $10 back and I didn't feel like sitting on the phone for the amount of time that would have taken.

Thus far we're getting better at finding COE, county and even some national forest campgrounds when we know we need to be in an area. And we're starting to gravitate more to the BLM and other free locations that don't require much planning ahead other than to know where to take on water and dump on the way out. Also really like the fact that we don't have to be out of a site at a specific time if we're staying on Federal land, we knew we didn't have far to go on our last move so we didn't leave until 2 PM, gave us lots of time to enjoy a morning walk, coffee, lunch, etc. before we moved 100 miles.

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

We avoid making reservations unless it will seriously impact our plans by not having done so. In high season this has necessitated when arriving later in the day mid week even, having to camp outside the gates overnight and getting a spot in the morning. Of course on the very very odd occasions we've booked when targeting a set timeframe to visit somewhere specific that we know is in exceptional high demand. We've even hit the Fla keys back in the early 2000's with no reservations, been told Bahia Honda was full and referred to the next SP up the road that could accommodate us. Would I do that today for that area at prime out of school or snow birding times? Probably not, as there are more and more RVers it seems every year, and less places to smuggle into at night without getting a knock at the door (LOL). So yes we would likely try and reserve for the bulk of our stay somewhere like the keys during prime times. We'd also make sure we were set to arrive nearer the area a couple weeks ideally beforehand. However, generally speaking we've always found someone somewhere willing to let us park overnight and even longer, and we've always offered something in return.

One thing RVing we've learnt the hard way, plans go awry or as some say have to made in jello. We got held up a week in Pocatello Idaho getting a new engine 3 years ago, another time fuel pump issues that weren't acknowledged after several breakdowns delayed our travels by several days on several trips. Finally South Dakota dealer we limped to overnight in the cool said next morning "I won't argue with you mam, if you want a new fuel pump we'll put one in". Voila no problems after that, and they had a whole wall of them lined up and replaced under warranty!!

Because the actual CG's are rarely, if ever, our intended destination but an attraction or sight in the area is our goal, we are pretty chilled about not being able to get in somewhere specific, staying in their overflow parking and even finding somewhere close by to boondock at.

We try not to let anything derail us from having a great time when travelling, and don't sweat the small stuff :)

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great words of wisdom, Someday!

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

We'll be taking off for the first time FT in August and I've got everything planned/reserved up to Havasu and then there through the Winter. Is that obsessive/compulsive? I think there's another word for it but I won't use it here.

I really would like this to be a free wheeling experience starting next Spring/Summer but I get to thinking about it and get antsy, thinking I should really look at making reservations, aside from just the holidays.

I'd like to get to be like a lot of you out there that seem to really 'go with the flow' and if the current place isn't available, oh well, on to the next. Is it that simple? Anyway, ain't anywhere close to that yet.

I'm beginning to think this in itself, is more of an art form, anything from paint by numbers to free form. But no way is wrong, right?

Time will tell.

Still certain we'll have happy trails!

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

PKHALIN,

You've got too much time on your hands waiting to go and you are over thinking it. If you need to focus on something, try going through what you are taking and cutting it down by half. Everyone has more stuff with them than they will need, so focus on that instead of worrying about reservations.

Why are you going to Lake Havasu for the whole winter? Have you been there before? Have you tried other areas of Arizona? We spent our first winter in Arizona moving about every 2 weeks - that way we got to see the different areas and decide which ones we wanted to spend more time in the winter.

Another way to think about it is what is the worst that happens if you can't find a specific park - you move on down the road. And if it is just overnight, there are always Wally World for the night. Make sure you have Passport America and use that whenever possible for overnight stops, download Allstays app on your smart phone - great for finding areas ahead that will have places for you to stay. If you lock yourself into reservations you're going to miss part of the adventure of coming to a junction and THEN deciding which way to go, or being able to decide to stay because you really want to explore the area. I can't tell you how many times we've gone into the office the next morning and extended an overnight into a week because we got looking at what was available in the town and decided to spend some time. O

All of this is to say, yes, you are over thinking this - - and you need to relax or you will end up feeling exhausted because you've organized yourself into a schedule that no one can reasonably be expected to follow and still enjoy life. I firmly believe that one of the reason people end up going off the road is that they try to do to much and are exhausted and then a minor problem (and there will be problems because nothing is ever going to to be perfect all of the time) throws them for a loop.

Barb

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

For normal rv parks..Make reservations now.. if you want decent parks / spots.... if heading to the keys, Naples , ft myers or Miami areas.I only know these areas from this year... They where booked solid in sept... all the way to april.

Lot of area's in central / north Fl.. all year.

Plenty of space in the deserts.. out west.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Junkman,

I believe that what you are describing is for very popular snowbird spots in southern Florida, not what one would term 'normal' RV parks - surely you don't think that is necessary for the rest of the country for most of the year.

Or are you suggesting that those of us who have been fulltiming for 5+ years have it all wrong? You could have come into Arizona January 1st and with a little work found a 3-month spot with no reservations - - might have taken calls to 2 or 3 parks in the area you wanted, but there are always a few spots that never get filled. We had a dozen or so spots in our park that were open.

Barb

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Southern Florida is about the worst for needing winter reservations. That is also the reason the parks there charge so much, they can. The state park reservation problem that Barb mentioned, especially on weekends, is in full force in Southern Florida. Lots of sites reserved and paid for that are not occupied, because the person who reserved it decided not to go and didn't seem to care about the money wasted. These people are not like those of us on this forum, they live in a different reality.

cejones4210 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Last winter was our first full-timing and we were in S. CA and AZ for three months. We moved around every 10-14 days. We only had one place where we could not get a spot and that was one of the state parks south of Lake Havasu. It still wasn't a big deal we just stayed at another one up the road. It was so nice to explore the state and mark in my planner when we found a site/area where we want to keep coming back to, but knowing if it isn't available there are other great places. One of the reasons we choose this lifestyle is so we can go where and when we want and if it doesn't work out, just move-on. It is very true when we only traveled and camped a few weeks out of the year during vacation, I planned every step and made reservations all along the way and in advance. That is no longer a concern. WE ARE RETIRED!!! YEH!!

I agree, if it is a holiday weekend it is probably wise to make a reservation. Otherwise, using Allstays, Camp Anywhere, and numerous other websites and apps, one is sure to find a spot without too much trouble. As we progressed back through NM and Texas, we found we had no problems finding a campground that would work for us. If we pulled in and were turned off by the looks, we just pulled up an app on the iPhone and found another down the road.

As we were advised here, traveling and planning to be off the road in mid-afternoon made for finding a spot much easier than if we had waited until late evening. But, we are retired and what's the hurry?

Now that we will be part-time full-timing, I still do not plan to make reservations unless circumstances would dictate that it is necessary. We will head in the direction we want to go and find something along the way. Too much planning and you might just miss a truly great place!

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Kim,

Absolutely neither way is wrong when it comes to RVing - ultra planning or flying by the seat of your pants like we tend to in recent years (LOL). If you are the type to worry about getting somewhere and being turned away without a reservation and it's going to spoil your journey then you should reserve. Experience has taught us it's very rare, and they'll often place you in overflow or there's somewhere to boondock somewhere around close by. Remember: Nobody knows you better than you know yourself!

Now, when it comes to vacational RVing for many years going back to the late nineties, working around the children's school schedules and our limited vacation time, my nature being what it is (this leopard is slowly changing her spots though today!), I would have our Itinerary scheduled down to almost minutes on where we should be and shouldn't be and with an odd catch up day thrown in every two or three days to relax, catch breath or allow for any unexpected incidents or breakdowns. That was then and this is no

Bottom line is there is absolutely no right or wrong way when it comes to enjoying the "highlight of your twilight", it's whatever your comfort level is, and you'll likely find with time and experience you change the way you roll, as from readings over many years it appears many do over time of being out FT on the road. However, as Cheryl will concur, "things" happen, and one does wonder about how much one should reserve ahead. Also as Barb and others with many years of experience FT Rving have said, you'll get into certain places and wish you could stay longer than you initially thought, a mechanical or otherwise breakdown could easily thwart your plans, and on the opposite side of the coin, there'll be places you thought you wanted to stay in for 'x' time, and wanna get out of there much faster.

Happy Travels Ya'll, & Keep That Glass Half Full No Matter What Life Throws At You.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barbaraok wrote:
Junkman,

I believe that what you are describing is for very popular snowbird spots in southern Florida, not what one would term 'normal' RV parks - surely you don't think that is necessary for the rest of the country for most of the year.

Or are you suggesting that those of us who have been fulltiming for 5+ years have it all wrong? You could have come into Arizona January 1st and with a little work found a 3-month spot with no reservations - - might have taken calls to 2 or 3 parks in the area you wanted, but there are always a few spots that never get filled. We had a dozen or so spots in our park that were open.

Barb

I thought he was asking about Florida..

I know there is plenty of space in the southwest.. If I was Rving out there.. or in central FL.. no reservations seem to be needed..As stated.

Unless you want Vegas, phoenix, or other cities.. I'd make reservations then.. especially for nice parks..( not BLM or State or fed )

Nothing wrong with that.. I lived out in the desert for 8 years.. Vegas.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're in the Phoenix area - in Mesa, and you don't really need reservations. Very, very few RV parks actually in Phoenix. Most are on the east and west sides. And really Las Vegas isn't that much of a problem. Palm Springs can be, depending upon where you want to stay, but again we've always found a place there by reserving maybe a week or two out.

I think we are all replying to different people who are asking the same type of question on this thread but with different destinations in mind.

Barb

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barbaraok wrote:
We're in the Phoenix area - in Mesa, and you don't really need reservations. Very, very few RV parks actually in Phoenix. Most are on the east and west sides. And really Las Vegas isn't that much of a problem. Palm Springs can be, depending upon where you want to stay, but again we've always found a place there by reserving maybe a week or two out.

I think we are all replying to different people who are asking the same type of question on this thread but with different destinations in mind.

Barb

Like you said.. Just depends where you stay. People have different opinions on what a good RV park is.

When we hit vegas in our class A .. some 8 years ago.. we pulled into sams town.. We left the next day.. we traveled that whole area.. Not a good neighborhood.. but alot of rv parks..We moved across town to the oasis.. stayed there for 3 mo..Nice. but you should get reservations there..It may even be required.

The point of the story is.. Many fourms said sams town was a good place.. To me, super tight spots, no amenities, and I slept with 1 eye open, and couldn't run away fast enough..

Live and learn..

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barb,

Ouch! Ok, so I'm a little up tight. This too shall pass. Just place 2x4 upside left temple with adequate force.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul & Kim,

Years from now, you will be explaining to some brand new fulltimers all of the wisdom you learned on the road, #1 being to relax and go with the flow. biggrin We all learn and pass it on.

Do remember to be nice to each other over the next few weeks - - personally a sea-salt carmel ice cream cone is one of my favorite stress relievers, but anything will do as long as it give you a chance to take the focus off of going and just relax.

Barb

-- Edited by Barbaraok on Tuesday 17th of March 2015 08:59:45 PM

Russ Ranger · RV-Dreams Family Member

We circled the USA last year. We made only one reservation the whole time, Washington DC for the 4th of July.

One of the joys of planning the next stop came from talking to other campers that had just come from the direction we were headed. It was current information (floods and tornados), it was personal preferences, it was warnings of what to avoid. Best of all was the personal talks with people from so many walks of life.

Those are some of my favorite memories. I didn't know West Texans spoke an entirely different version of English. I learned about grits and hush puppies. I listened to amazing music in the Appalachian Mountains. I learned how to say, "Why bless your heart" in the South.

"No plans" leads to great life experiences. Throw caution to the wind. Enjoy.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, with much trepidation, I'm announcing that I am going to throw all caution to the wind and play it by ear next week when we travel from Arcadia, FL to Raleigh, NC. It's 700 miles and we don't want to drive more than 150 a day (200 max), so it will take us 4-5 days to get there, meaning we'll need to be in a different place every night.

Since I really don't want to live the week out of Walmarts and truck stops, I've put together a short list of possible places to stay within the travel distance, but we will make a decision while driving - based on how tired we are, how far we've gone (can we push it a little further?), what time of day it is and what my client workload is like. We will probably just call ahead that morning or when we're within 100 miles to see if they have spots. No reservations! Fortunately, so far it seems like there won't be too much of a problem as we're leaving the snowbird area, not going into it. Then again, possibly Spring break in many places... uh oh! No - not going to worry over it. Learning how to be laid back. This is hard!!!

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cheryl,

If you figure on stopping by 2:00 - then start calling at 1:00 pm - let them know that you will be there in an hour or so, most places will have a spot for you. And by stopping by 2:00 pm, you will avoid the 4-5 pm line up to get registered. It takes some practice, but being among the first in and the last out really makes for a more pleasant afternoon and morning, you're more relaxed, the drive is easier, blood pressure down, and life gets better.

Barb

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we started out in December of 2011, we were green behind the ears newbies. Well, I was anyway(Pat, here). On the other hand Charlie could park a 200 ft. wing span airplane in a hanger, and leave a foot on either side.

But I was tense and had a knot in my stomach for days. Scared to death, I was. On that first trip we headed west to Louisiana and decided to take the Texas 63 scenic route. There is an ancient bridge crossing the Sabine River, which when crossed over and becomes Louisiana 8. We're going about 60 miles an hour when we see the sign saying the height is 12' 3". We're pulling a 5er that is 13' 3". (Actually, that is where the knot entered my stomach, now that I think of it) But, thanks be to God, (or fate if you prefer) that old bridge has been hammered for decades by tractor trailers and is now...well at least a little more than 13' 3" !!!!

That is where we learned to keep it on the interstate. Or at least check with The Next Exit, which is a great book to have. Our first copy was given to us at a truck stop by a friendly trucker. Oh, the folks you'll meet!

We do like Barb and make our reservations when we are approaching the place we want to stay. You can always go on down the road if that spot is not available. But we've encountered few problems. Just go, and have fun. Make your plans in Jello, and stir when necessary. Pat K

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have been on the road for just over a year and I can count on one hand when we have made reservations....too much pressure. I will call ahead if I'm concerned, but we really have not had a problem (no reservations on our Alaska journey either).

Pam, Chief Navigator (and person responsible for where we sleep 👍)

-- Edited by el Rojo and Pam on Wednesday 18th of March 2015 05:19:12 PM

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, I don't know about Larry (remember Larry? He started this!), but I think this is/was an excellent exchange. I think better than the other thread last year. Plenty of sage advice, perspective, attitude (all good). Ya'll dun give me an edumacation! Much appreciated.

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hey Kim, I think you are Larry in disguise (LOL). He hasn't been on here according to his stats, since he posted at 10.04am on 14th March.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

I find it less stressful if I know where I'm going, and know I have a safe place to park..

Plus I'm a park / pay for a month kinda guy..

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our situation is different. I chase plant shutdowns. Sometimes it is very hard to find a decent park. Never mind reservations, just finding one not full.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glenn West wrote:
Our situation is different. I chase plant shutdowns. Sometimes it is very hard to find a decent park. Never mind reservations, just finding one not full.

As in power plants ? They are usually in the boonies anyway? The ones around here seem to be..

Just did a walk through on a plant florida power has shut down in North florida ( east palatka ).. They are selling everything at public auction..

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

Work few power plants. Chemical, oil refineries mostly.

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have made reservations through the fourth of July and are working on next summer. What we have experienced is that most State and County parks have limited spaces that will fit our 40 foot rig and thus a little planning ahead is called for. If it's just stopping for a night along the way normally no issue, but if we are going to be in a "destination" area we need to plan. There are lots of campgrounds and lots pf spaces yes...BUT many sites will not fit us. For example we drove over to Anastasia State Park yesterday and of the 136 sites only 5 would fit a 40 footer and of those 5 only 1 was a walk in. So we are at a pretty crappy CG that is totally full as well We went to a county park in Orlando and couldn't fit in and ended up taking the last spot in another crappy campground. So I would say if you don't care if you miss a place and are willing to travel on down the road I agree you can wing it...but if you really want to see something I would reserve it. I know that's Florida but we have also seen it in Maine in high season , Minnesota in high season, and Rapid City SD near bike week so far. Had it happen once in Indiana as well when there was a Notre Dame game happening. Basically you can go pretty much anywhere out of season and have good luck...not so much with in season.

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

So, if I plan on heading up the left coast starting next Spring, anybody have an idea of what I might encounter, campground wise? What have been other's experiences?

Thanks.

Larryj41 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for all of the input, everyone. I guess reservations are just a requirement in some situations and locations.

Larryj41 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Sorry I didn't respond back for so long. I thought I had checked a box that said I would get an email when any responses came in. Well, the first email I got was tonight.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

pkhalin wrote:
So, if I plan on heading up the left coast starting next Spring, anybody have an idea of what I might encounter, campground wise? What have been other's experiences?
Thanks.

Where do you want to go? We head north from LA either up 101 or up I-5. We never have reservations except for a day or two ahead of time for a particular membership park that we like, otherwise we start checking about noon in the area we should be at around 2:00 pm and see if they have a site available. Now, if you want to go to Pismo Beach during Spring Break, you need reservations about a month in advance, otherwise just wing it until Memorial Day.

Barb

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, Barb. That's kinda what I wanted to know. Will try to do the 'wing it' thing. We only know we want to head up the coast, see how far we can make it at a somewhat easy pace before we have to cut across to CO by August sometime to take care of some things.

Other than that, no real schedule.

-- Edited by pkhalin on Thursday 26th of March 2015 10:22:57 PM

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just reserved a nice park on a golf course,for april, here in central fl... 3 concrete spots left.. all the prime spots where taken..

Weird.. cause there is nothing around Citra FL, at all... Just a popular place I guess.

dannick · RV-Dreams Family Member

I will be picking up my RV next week and plan to begin FT RVing immediately...There are 4 RV parks in my area (Boise) and all have waiting lists from 4-8 weeks for long term spaces. I'm on the waiting lists and hope something opens up sooner!

Unfortunately I didn't know that I would be starting so soon but a great deal on the RV came out of the blue so I jumped on it...now I just need to find somewhere to begin using it :)

I wouldn't wait to make reservations...

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you want long term stays at a specific resort, or type of resort, then yes, reservations are necessary. But if you are moving about in order to see what each area of the country has to offer, then there are plenty of parks from which to choose. Difference between destination park and a regular RV park.

Barb

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

Concrete, don't care about it. Most parks skimp on it and make it hard to stay on in turns. Wifi, could care less. We have that taken care of. Pool, rather not have it. Simple and quiet what we try for.

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with Barb that if you can move on when its not working out you can absolutely doable to wander with no reservations. If you need (or just want) a little more stability in your life then it gets a little tougher. I just wrote a post about our experiences with this so thought I would share the link.

camperchronicles.com/2015/04/02/finding-campgrounds-isnt-always-easy/