Reservations Necessary?

[afrank1971]

We're planning a trip through Tucson, Carlsbad, Roswell, etc... from April 10th through the 19th. Some of our group think we'd better get reservations (especially since there are 5 rigs), others don't think we'll need any. Not having reservations certainly frees things up versus having to keep a schedule, but wouldn't be too fun not to have a place to stay... So, anyone with any idea places along that route might be that time of year? Opinions, reservations or not? Particularly in Tucson, Tombstone, Roswell, Meteor Crater...
Thanks,
Alan

[GaryKD]

Hi Alan,
If by reservations you mean several months in advance, I think not. The only exception is if your arrival is the same time as a special event in the area. Or it is the same time as spring break from local schools. Then, reservations are a must. If you mean reserve ahead by a week, this would be something I would do.

I am wondering about the same question. This year's trip with the grand kids is the Southwest USA. That's a lot of CGs for a couple of nights each. Right now, my thoughts are to reserve for the CG we will be at on July 4. Being in the desert Southwast, in the summer, my thought is I do not need reservations for the other CGs.

[afrank1971]

Unfortunately, our trip IS during spring break. At least, it's during our school district's spring break. How to know when all the spring breaks are where we're traveling through, I don't know.

The trip you're talking about, I would thing you'd definately need reservations around the 4th, like you said. And I would normally think you'd want reservations during the summer, but the Southwest is hot, so maybe not too popular that time of year. Depending of course on where, places like Sedona or the Grand Canyon you'll want reservations for sure.

[read & learn]

Hi Gary
We are right now staying at the Cotton Lane RV and Golf Resort in Goodyear, AZ. It is on the west side of Phoenix which is about a 10-15 minute ride and is a great new 12 year old Park.
If you want to really go to a great place make sure you go to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. It is located about a 2 hour ride south of here on Hwy 85. The Campground is one of the best dry camping places we ever stayed at, all concrete pads, and you stay right in the middle of all the Cactus and plants.
I know you have been to this area at least 2 times so you know where you are heading.
Joe

[read & learn]

Spring break for the AZ Colleges are in March this year as we have friends in Phoenix that go away to Rocky Point, Mexico each year after spring break and they are going in the beginning of April, but still check the campgrounds.

[TW]

When driving / touring we NEVER do a reservation.... We did Grand Teton, because we wanted to stay a week... sofar we were lucky. Always found a good one at around late afternoon... with 5 rigs you should be ok... You got good advice here above my note...
We feel, that reservation ties you done to a schedule... Who likes a schedule in my age group?.... During my Air Force time I had enough of that.
TW

[GaryKD]

Hi Joe,
Your right about Organ Pipe being the cats meow for a stop. Unfortunately is is too far South. I'm taking the Gkids to Saguaro NP instead. With Gkids, I have an interveening layer of management (parents) and another set of G parents to contend with. For summer trips, the dance card is full.

[afrank1971]

I love it!

Quote:

an interveening layer of management

Now that's funny stuff!

[tom wilson]

we travel 5 months every summer and we have reservations approved before we leave home.
just a few phone calls can relieve me of any worry when i get on the road.
we have never missed an appointed time of arrival.
spartan and cummins always come thru for me.

[Superslif]

As far as reservations....If you knew which sites you like, and want a little "peace of mind" a reservation locks you in. I have family members poking fun at me because I make reservations so far out. There have been times where at the last minute they thought they could just drive up and get a site near by, but because of the size of their rig they were out of luck. But to me, knowing I have my favorite site booked, gives me something to look forware to. Back in Dec. I booked 5 (7 night) trips to state parks here in OH. & PA. One thing I do when I'm traveling near a future camping area. I'll stop in and check it out. I'll write down a few sites I like and even take a picture of a site as a reminder. I may ask a camp host how busy a place gets without a reservation.....But for the most part I'll reserve well in advance. Maybe in the desert you are more able to get a site that accommodates your rig. We have a few state parks here in Northern Ohio where half the sites are far from level.....