At the start of the season, campsites book up quickly, especially at national and state parks. But you deserve to camp in the destinations you’ve been dreaming of! So now that summer is in full swing, we’re going to nail down some of the best ways to book campsites. So you can fill up your summer with beautiful locations and experiences. And in years to come, you’ll be ready at the start of the year to book your bucket-list destinations!
Table Of Contents
Booking sites can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. But really, it’s a simple process that just takes preparedness and research. Keep reading to discover how you can plan to book the campsites you’ve been dreaming of!
Before You Book
Do your research! Start with a Plan A. But be willing to have a Plan B, C, and so on and so forth, just in case. Sites book up fast, especially in popular areas. Familiarize yourself with the map of the campground and what sites appeal to you most.
And, get to know the reservation site! The last thing you want to happen is to log on the day of booking, only to spend time figuring out how the site works. Meanwhile, the spots you wanted are swept away by other campers. Before you plan to book, get comfortable with the reservation system and what’s required of you. That way when the season opens up, you can be efficient and land the sites you want.
Book Early!
Seriously, campgrounds book up super fast at the start of the season. The walk-up method sometimes works in less busy seasons. But in the peak summer months, don’t come to rely on this. Especially for those planning group trips, it is imperative to book sites early. You’ll have a better chance of landing the sites you actually desire.
For some places, it is as early as January. For others, booking opens up a few months before summer. Research to know when booking opens up for the campground you want. Then, mark that day on your calendar! Set an alarm, and don’t be late for the game. If you’re group camping, coordinate it with everybody! Make sure you’re all scheduled to book at the same time to ensure you get sites next to or near each other.
Know Your Group and Gear
Before you confirm your site, nail down the details! Know how many people are in your group, how many vehicles are allowed, and how much space you’ll need. All of these details are needed when booking. Understanding and solidifying your needs will better inform your campsite decision.
Measure the dimensions of your canvas tent to ensure there is plenty of space at the site you want. As for gear and tent accessories, know these dimensions also. How much space will your things be taking up? These dimensions will help guide you to booking a suitable site. Remember: always measure three times for accuracy!
Book Sites Online
Your best chances of reserving campsites these days are online. At this point, it’s kind of second nature to go online. What’s great about it is you have access to all the information you’ll need right there on the website. From maps to booking instructions, campground rules, and more. You’ll be able to learn a little bit about the different sites, too. Dimensions, amenities, you name it! Booking online or through an app is the best method.
Helpful Apps and Websites
There are some key websites and apps to help campers book their sites in advance! Recreation.gov is amazing for national and forest parks. On the app version, campers can choose to get notified if there is a cancellation on a spot you’ve been eyeing!
National and state parks will require you to book directly from their websites. The same goes for individual state or private parks. Apps and websites like Hipcamp and The Dyrt are excellent sources. Campers can really refine their search and discover amazing campgrounds!
Book it Old-School
You can always call to reserve! This is likely an option for private campgrounds, glamping locations, or cabin rentals. Any campground that operates on a smaller scale. Calling could work better for those who aren’t tech-savvy, and desire a personal booking experience. Speaking to a real person or ranger can be really helpful and add a level of comfort to the booking process. More than likely, however, you may be directed by that person to visit the website and book there. But, they could provide you with instructions, and answer the questions you may have.
Walk-Up and Dispersed Campsites
A “walk-up” campsite doesn’t require a reservation and usually operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check online or call to find out if your destination offers any sites like this. It’s a good solution for solo campers, or those traveling in small groups Typically, these sites are small and farther away from amenities.
Dispersed camping refers to camping on BLM lands. These are usually very primitive– meaning they have little to no amenities. They are usually much more remote– located outside of destinations like national parks or sometimes in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, they’re overall less accessible so keep this in mind when booking.
If this is your plan, just go in with lowered expectations, and hope to be pleasantly surprised! A walk-up site may not have all the space and amenities, but it still offers the ability to camp and be resourceful.
Choosing the Best Campsite
The “best” campsite is definitely subjective. Most campgrounds will have a more expensive site with better views or more amenities. These may be considered their best sites. But really, it’s up to you! The best site for your group always depends on your needs and preferences, so identify those first, and then you’ll be able to pick the perfect campsite.
What Are Your Needs? Accessibility and More
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to identify your needs before picking a site. The amount and dimensions of all your gear help you know what size site you need. The number of people and vehicles you’ll have is information to solidify as well.
Will there be children with you? Does anyone in your party need better accessibility? Consider the accessibility needs of your group. Perhaps that means you need to focus on proximity to facilities over pretty views. Many larger parks– like national parks– have transportation services like shuttles. So try to camp closer to the entrance for easier transportation.
Remember, the beauty of camping is that it’s all-encompassed by beautiful nature. So you’re never really missing out on views. It’s more important that everyone has a comfortable experience and feels welcome outdoors.
Campsite Amenities
Campsite amenities can include anything from water spigots to fire pits, picnic tables, and more. What would you like to have at your site? Larger sites with more amenities tend to be more expensive but offer a great experience. Sites with fewer features are cheaper and sometimes more remote. That just means you get to be a little more resourceful! You can learn about individual campsite features from the campground website. Plan your booking around the perfect site for you and your group!
Proximity to Trailheads and Other Recreation
What activities are you hoping to do? On a campground map, you can see site proximities to recreational features. Trailheads, road entrances, and beach access. When you book, try to align the site location with the activities you’ll likely be spending your time doing. Bear in mind that these also tend to be the fastest sites to fill up. So if you know you’re going to have an extra active camping trip, remember to be early to book!
Wrapping Up…
It’s always a mad dash to book a campsite at the start of the season. If you have a flexible mindset, you’ll be able to successfully book the campsites of your dreams!
Landing your dream campsites is all about making informed choices. Know your camping gear dimensions, find out what’s best for your group, and get online early! Don’t let the camping season slip away before you’ve booked your trip. Be prompt and ready to book. Use websites and apps built to help you be efficient and prepared. Set reminders so you get notified when your dream site opens up! Following these principles will guide you to becoming a successful campsite booker.
Now you can be an expert at booking the perfect campsite! You’re equipped with the best tips and tricks on how you get the most amazing camping locations. Pretty soon, all your outdoor pals will be coming to you for advice. Whether you’re trying to plan out your summer in advance, or want to book a last-minute weekend trip.
Good luck!
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