RV parks on the fly

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

POIs?
Hmmm...
Casinos
Liquor stores
Gun Shops
Brothels

Check!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPwW7RaPO_g

[Bob Denman]

. ... A man who thinks just like me: scary!!

[taylorbob1]

Here’s an article that just came across the wire for finding campsites...
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/find-rv-campsites/

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Here’s an article that just came across the wire for finding campsites...
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/find-rv-campsites/

Can't get to it from here with Chrome, but I can with Edge...go figure. Chrome shows this:


(Yeah I know Chrome uses its own DNS separate from your computers settings...)

[TurnerFam]

you can't 'wait' til after 6pm and expect any business to answer the phone - you have to do it at lunch time, instead, since you'll obviously be on your way, or heading in that direction by then.
Although, there are plenty of rv parks and campgrounds and 'regional/city' parks where there is no one to ever 'give' you a spot - you simply show up and find any vacant spot you can. Walmart is the same way, if you're self-contained and don't mind.

We've traveled the majority of our years without 'reserving' ahead of time. We know which general direction or destination we are heading in, and I google-map the area to find options BEFORE I even leave for the day, or certainly the lunchtime area if several more hours are ahead. PassportAmerica is a good app to get affordable 'last minute' options, especially during the Sunday thru Thursday timeframe. Weekend Fri and Saturdays are never going to be 'easy' to just show up somewhere, which means parking lots or other options.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Can't get to it from here with Chrome, but I can with Edge...go figure. Chrome shows this:
Attachment 31204

(Yeah I know Chrome uses its own DNS separate from your computers settings...)

I'm seeing it here with Chrome...

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I'm seeing it here with Chrome...

LOL and now it shows up...you fixed it Bob! LMAO

[Bob Denman]

I just "greased the slide a bit..."

[Scubawise]

great info!!

RV campgrounds use an entirely different set of booking platforms than hotels. So, it took me some time to find the best platforms for finding and booking RV campsites. But, I’ve found the following platforms and apps typically uncover most of the available RV campgrounds:

Recreation.gov for camping on federal lands
Reserveamerica.com for some state parks and other public campgrounds
RV Parky for a listing of campgrounds and stores that allow overnight parking (you can’t book through this site, though)
State park websites, if not on Reserveamerica.com
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) as a fallback when availability is tight
Airbnb for private sites and individuals reselling long-term sites for shorter periods
I typically start with Recreation.gov since it displays reviews and ratings for cell data (which is critical for us since we rely on Verizon data to work remotely from campgrounds). Plus, I enjoy staying at lake-side Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, which are bookable through Recreation.gov.

[Bob Denman]

We have always used KOA...

[Matthew]

Here in the Carolinas, if you want that iconic site on the lake, river, mountain top, etc., better reserve it a year out!

[Bob Denman]

Or if you're looking at Disney's campgrounds: even more than that...

[Scubawise]

Many Campgrounds in montana have a few sites posted with open 1 or 2 days..looks like a few folks cancel or delay ..sign on site and people pull right in $12 to $20

[dkoldman]

Wow, it is amazing how different strokes are for different folks. Don't think we ever considered a RV Park site just for an overnight while we were destined or driving some place else? The RV Parks reservations we make are always THE destination. We know that in advanced and have that reserved in advanced. Now getting there and where we may stop and rest on the way is the Adventure In some aspects the fun part. Can't tell you how many times we saw something and suddenly stopped, detoured and just hung out for a while. I am not too keen on arriving in an unknown Park after dark to spend the night only with the intent to leave in the morning

We use to have membership in Thousand Trails ( I am sure it is very nice program and works very well for a lot of people) But we could NEVER find any of their sites on our path without going way out the way to get there At $499/year ( we got membership free for year with our RV purchase) we were only able to use once and we made that a fishing trip; we spent 3 days. Thousand Trails was nice, the Park was nice, and it was no hassle, but just hard for us to use. I could have easily just paid for the 3 nights out of pocket without the membership.

Saw a post on Reserve America and they are the best IMO. They got us in a Colorado State park right on the lake a few days before our trip and the Park was otherwise FULL

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by Judge

Might be worth a call to AAA to see if they offer something like that but..... a service is going to cost money to do the work.

I just think we are at a time now where the RV Life is going to require planning more often than not and the spontaneity of it is over..... at least for the time being.

I actually miss last year a bit when COVID had most people staying home. We had no issues getting campgrounds any time we wanted.... as long as state or local restrictions didn't close them down.

Right, last year was awesome. So far this year has been great too. RV parks open and during the week pretty open.

[taylorbob1]

Yes
I agree with dkoldman that everyone is different and has different needs regarding campsites

Personally...We mostly boondock out west near the ocean where AC isn’t needed 24/7

Casinos do work great for a one night stand (I’m talkin’ ‘bout RV-ing)
And at
everyone’s favorite CrackerBarrell & Walmart

But just do opposite of “fish where the fish are”
Camp where nobody wants to go and there are lots of last minute sites with power-water-sewer
Usually on the out-of-the-way roads.

[paclark]

Originally Posted by JimSpy

We have wanted to plan a nice road trip for several years now, only problem is, now that we're retired, we're busier than when we worked! Consequently, it's impossible for us to plan far ahead enough to reserve space at rv parks. So we wind up driving till we get tired, and then panic calling a half dozen parks to get in. I'm sure that's the 180 degrees wrong way to do it...but I'm also sure we're far from alone! And it wouldn't be that big a deal, except it seems no one man's the phones at RV parks after 6pm! Anyone else out there doing this by the seat of your pants? Any hot tips?

You've heard a lot of good recommendations from everyone here. I would add it IS possible to just "hit the road and go", but as has been suggested, be aware of the season, what are the big destinations that probably can't accommodate you and be willing to explore the less traveled areas. During the high travel season (i.e. South in winter, North in summer), be flexible and willing to stop over at a Harvest Host location, stay at state or national forest campsites, less traveled state parks (use apps like Recreation.gov or RA Camping), etc. to ensure your rig can go there. Even though there are more people trying the RV life now, we're still fortunate that this country is big enough to accommodate us all and have a great RV experience - somewhere! Enjoy the adventure!

[larrysfixit]

Get the "RV Parky" app on your phone (or computer). It sure helps us. They way everyone wants to use the internet for reservations makes it so much harder for all us old fashioned camper to even get a campsite in a state or federal campground. Let alone a side of the road campground. I use Passport America to save $ (50%)when I can and Good Sam for the 10% when they do not take Passport every bit helps. But RV parky is the best find a stop place I have found.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by larrysfixit

Get the "RV Parky" app on your phone (or computer). .

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