Community Forums

ldb187 · 05-20-2015, 08:01 PM

Newbie here. Bought a 2015 28' tag-a-long and a new 2015 Chevy 2500 to pull it and here it is Memorial day weekend coming up and no where to go. Guess what I learned is if you don't make reservations your SOL. Every campground within a 150 mile radius is booked solid. So much for going camping on a whim. Always liked to just go when I take a notion but guess I'll have to change my ways and try and plan something out now.

LarrytheBear · 05-20-2015, 08:10 PM

Make your Fourth of July plans now! For this weekend, driveway camp. Think of the gas you'll save.

ChallengerRN · 05-20-2015, 08:31 PM

Some state parks (other parks too) do not reserve 100%. If you were to drive in it is possible that they might have a site. The earlier on a Friday you arrive the better your chances.

Russell

eddieelk · 05-20-2015, 08:42 PM

There are an unlimited number of Walmarts, Big Box Stores, Flyin J's, Cracker Barrel's & other places to spend the night. This way you get experience in overnighting and using your new toys. Where are you located? My Park has many open sites available. Eddie Elk.

jkn1946 · 05-20-2015, 11:17 PM

Don't give up completely, keep checking for cancellations. There are many good suggestions here. I like the driveway camp. Sleeping in your new space will feel wonderful.

JKN
2014 Arctic Fox 29-5T
5 Wheel. full time

vsheetz · 05-21-2015, 01:37 AM

I know you want to get out this wed lend and others have provided some ideas. My thoughts to share are longer term. Many folks who camp regularity pass on holiday weekends. Clouds, folks up late, etc. instead camp on any other weekend.

the_vfox · 05-21-2015, 03:25 AM

We stay home on holiday weekends, too many wild people on the road and late parties in the parks. A minor one is that some parks jack up the holiday rates for those special weekends.

Dog Folks · 05-21-2015, 07:21 AM

This is an excellent time to do your maiden trip in your driveway.

Use the camper and do not go into the house unless it is absolutely necessary. Keep a list of items forgotten/needed for camping.

We always made our first "trip" in the driveway. It is an excellent time for working out all the details.

Happy Camping.

plasma800 · 05-21-2015, 07:29 AM

We too avoid holiday weekends, unless it can't be avoided because of extended travel. It stinks, but there are just SO MANY "campers".

I was in this HUGE, I mean massive, campground in Maine - completely empty shy of a 5 rv's. Had the place to ourselves! Beauty. Didn't realize the following weekend was a holiday, and on Friday they poured in, filled every spot, all that setup work, all gone by sunday afternoon. It was a spectacle to watch - and of course - a "loud" weekend.

The smart ones were the ones who had 5th wheels parked and empty and just "showed up" and left again.

I understand the bummerness of not being able to make something happen when you want to. Totally do.

MSHappyCampers · 05-21-2015, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldb187

Newbie here. Bought a 2015 28' tag-a-long and a new 2015 Chevy 2500 to pull it and here it is Memorial day weekend coming up and no where to go. Guess what I learned is if you don't make reservations your SOL. Every campground within a 150 mile radius is booked solid. So much for going camping on a whim. Always liked to just go when I take a notion but guess I'll have to change my ways and try and plan something out now.

Yep! That applies to every major holiday during the summer and fall!

longshot · 05-22-2015, 05:06 PM

you don't have to stay in a "campground" there are all kinds of great camping spots on national forest lands and it's free just have to boondock

planojeeper · 05-22-2015, 05:20 PM

We had reservations but with all the rain our camp ground is now under water. Lots of people with no where to go. If I had a long enough drive way I would set it up. Welcome to IRV2!

bsirby · 05-22-2015, 08:46 PM

I've worked at campgrounds and it is not unusual for them to be booked on holidays 2-3 weeks prior. Cancellations come in every day and those are filled as they become available. Personally, I would rather not be in a campground during a holiday weekend if I can avoid it. Some campgrounds that are very popular, usually are filled on regular summer weekends as well. But if you find the campgrounds away from the hustle and bustle, you can usually get in. As a rule I don't make a reservation except holidays and snowbird locations.

txdad · 05-23-2015, 06:35 AM

We just got back from two weeks at Waxahachie Creek Campground at Bardwell Lake. First we were run out by COE, cant stay more than 14 days at a campground and second the campgrounds were being flooded. We had a great time and most of the time we were the only ones in the park, even on weekends. We try to go when other people would not want to go. I know that is a little unpredictable but in general it works for us.