Booking a campsite sounds simple enough, right? Pick a spot, click “reserve,” and you’re all set. But ever since the pandemic hit, it seems like everyone’s taken up camping or RVing, making it harder than ever to secure a spot. After a year on the road and several seasons of camping trips—some smooth, some full of unexpected twists—I’ve learned a few things the hard way. So, to save you from the same headaches, here’s what I’ve discovered about booking campsites, and how you can avoid common pitfalls.
1. Timing Is Everything
State parks are some of the most beautiful and sought-after camping spots, which means their sites go fast—sometimes within minutes of reservations opening. If you’ve ever tried to book a site at a popular state park, you know the drill: refreshing the booking page at the crack of dawn on the exact day reservations open, only to find everything already gone. Mark your calendar for the day reservations open, and be ready to book as soon as the system goes live. If you miss out, keep checking for cancellations or try to be flexible with your dates.
2. Know Your Priorities
Not all campsites are created equal, and what matters most to you might not be the same for someone else. Do you want a site close to water, with lots of shade, or maybe far from the crowds? After some trial and error, we realized how important it was to prioritize what we really wanted. We once ended up with a site that had zero shade in the middle of summer—let’s just say we learned our lesson. Reading reviews and studying campground maps beforehand can help you avoid disappointment when you arrive.
3. Beware of Hidden Costs
When booking a campsite, it’s easy to assume the nightly rate covers everything. But, as we quickly learned, that’s not always the case. Some campgrounds will charge extra for reserving a specific site number, bringing your dog, or even using basic amenities like showers. We once stayed at a campground that tried to charge us $10 just to dump our waste, on top of the already hefty fee for the stay! Another spot had coin-operated showers, which made us appreciate the simple luxuries of hot water a little more. Always check for hidden fees before you book, and factor them into your budget. If a site’s amenities aren’t clear, don’t hesitate to call and ask.
4. The Old-School Booking Challenge
Some campgrounds still only take reservations by phone—and only during their limited office hours. This was a real headache for us since we did most of our travel planning in the evenings, after these campgrounds were closed. As a result, we often ended up at KOAs or other corporate campgrounds more than we wanted to, simply because they were easier to book on short notice. If you’re stuck, set a reminder to call as soon as the campground opens, and have a backup plan ready.
5. Flexibility Can Be Your Best Friend
Sometimes, the perfect campsite isn’t available, but that doesn’t mean your trip is ruined. Being flexible with your dates or even the campground itself can open up unexpected opportunities. We once found a hidden gem of a campground purely because our first choice was fully booked. It turned out to be one of our favorite camping trips! Consider less popular campgrounds or visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds and have more options.
6. Not All “Resorts” Are Created Equal
One thing we’ve learned is that any campground can call itself a “resort,” but the reality can be far from what you might expect. To avoid disappointment, it’s always a good idea to check reviews before you book. Sites like Campendium, Good Sam, RV Parky, and The Dyrt offer detailed reviews from other campers, which can give you a much clearer picture of what to expect. We’ve also found that YouTube tours can be incredibly helpful—sometimes seeing the site in a video tells you more than any written review could.
7. Join Rewards Clubs and Memberships
If you’re a frequent camper, joining rewards clubs and memberships can save you a lot of money in the long run. Many campgrounds offer discounts through RV travel clubs like Good Sam, Passport America, or Thousand Trails. These memberships often pay for themselves after just a few stays, especially if you’re on the road often. Plus, you might get access to exclusive sites or early booking privileges. To learn more about the best RV travel clubs that can save you big on campgrounds and more, check out this guide: 9 RV Travel Clubs That Will Save You Big on Campgrounds and More.
Helpful Tips for Booking Campsites
- Use Booking Apps and Websites
Technology can be a lifesaver when it comes to booking campsites. Apps like Recreation.gov are essential for securing spots at federal campgrounds, while Campflare can alert you when a spot opens up due to a cancellation. Other great tools include ReserveAmerica, which covers many state parks, and The Dyrt, where you can find reviews and availability. For a comprehensive list of must-have apps to discover top RV parks, campgrounds, and hidden free campsites, check out this guide: 9 Must-Have Apps. - Know the Cancellation Policy
Before you book, make sure you’re familiar with the campground’s cancellation policy. Some sites offer full refunds, while others might charge a fee or only provide a partial refund. This is especially important if you’re booking far in advance or if your plans are subject to change. - Book Early, But Have a Backup Plan
While it’s ideal to book as early as possible, we know that doesn’t always happen. If you’re like us and often plan trips at the last minute, it’s crucial to have a backup plan. Apps like Campnab can notify you of last-minute cancellations, and checking multiple platforms can increase your chances of finding a spot. - Join Facebook Groups
Believe it or not, Facebook groups can be a great resource for snagging last-minute reservations. There are groups dedicated to specific campgrounds or regions where people trade or give away reservations they can no longer use. It’s a handy way to get a spot in a popular location without the usual scramble.
Booking a campsite can be a bit of a puzzle, but once you figure it out, it’s a lot less stressful. We’ve had our fair share of close calls and last-minute scrambles, and too many times we gave up and drove further to a KOA that we could book online at 11 PM. Hopefully, these tips help you avoid that. If you’ve got any camping hacks or feel free to share them in the comments—or keep them to yourselves for less competition (ha).
