Anyone to cancel reservations for State parks in the Keys?

[Laker44]

About this time last year there were several postings from people who had to cancel their reservations at any of the State Parks in the Florida Keys.

If anyone should be in that position this year, please let me know so I can pick up the reservation. My time is very flexible, any time between 12/27/14 and 4/1/15, as I will be heading to Augusta GA for my annual 4 day spectator visit of the Masters Golf Tournament.

I realize I am asking for a miracle, but you never know until you ask.

Thanks.

[Air Baron]

The miracle I am looking for is the announcement "Reserve America no longer issues any refunds whatsoever for cancelling any and all state park reservations!" Maybe then every single spot at Bahia Honda will not be reserved 11 months in advance, when many of those making the reservations have no idea whether or not they will actually show up on that date. Lousiest, most unfair reservation system that anybody could ever dream up. Just my two cent rant.

Good luck Laker 44.

[DebbieMH]

When using Reserve America for Top Sail SP this past winter - was told that the entire 10 day stay had to be paid when reservations were made now, AND no refunds. You can change dates, but no longer are they doing refunds. FYI

[Laker44]

Agree

[Davdeb1]

Originally Posted by Air Baron

The miracle I am looking for is the announcement "Reserve America no longer issues any refunds whatsoever for cancelling any and all state park reservations!" Maybe then every single spot at Bahia Honda will not be reserved 11 months in advance, when many of those making the reservations have no idea whether or not they will actually show up on that date. Lousiest, most unfair reservation system that anybody could ever dream up. Just my two cent rant.

Good luck Laker 44.

I agree wholeheartedly!

[lakewoodpaul]

Originally Posted by Air Baron

The miracle I am looking for is the announcement "Reserve America no longer issues any refunds whatsoever for cancelling any and all state park reservations!" Maybe then every single spot at Bahia Honda will not be reserved 11 months in advance, when many of those making the reservations have no idea whether or not they will actually show up on that date. Lousiest, most unfair reservation system that anybody could ever dream up. Just my two cent rant.

Good luck Laker 44.

I agree its tough to get into many Florida State Parks. But you want people who have a legitimate reason to cancel to lose their money? Which would probably go to Reserve America.what in your opinion would be a better reservation system? I personally have been beaten out on reservations by mere seconds.

[Air Baron]

Originally Posted by lakewoodpaul

I agree its tough to get into many Florida State Parks. But you want people who have a legitimate reason to cancel to lose their money? Which would probably go to Reserve America.what in your opinion would be a better reservation system? I personally have been beaten out on reservations by mere seconds.

No outsourcing for state or national parks. Call the park ranger for a reservation, during office hours. The same I have done for every single private RV park or campground in the country...you know, the places where the owner actually cares how the "business" is run.

Hey, Xantarra at the Grand Canyon Trailer Village is no better. Made my reservation on-line 3 months in advance and was only able to secure a few nights. The dude in the gate shack leaves at 5:00 and places a "full" sign out front. When I get up early in the AM and walk the CG, I count over 40 empty sites. Imagine all the people that were turned away, just because of the cancellations.

[lakewoodpaul]

If you were to call the park directly, it would still be whoever calls first. I understand your frustration but the fact is those southern Fl.parks are in extreme demand in the winter months especially the parks in the keys. Last year's hard winter didn't help or the fact the boomers are retiring

[Air Baron]

How does one "pick up the reservation" at a state park? Does it involve compensating the person who is cancelling? For the cancellation fee, or some other amount? If so, sounds like the same thing as ticket scalping to me. Probably could be lucrative for somebody so inclined...

I guess this retired full-timing boomer has no desire to compete with the new RV horde, especially those who like to play silly games on their smartphones at 12:00:01 in the morning. I have no idea where I will be in 11 months from any given day.

When I asked my father why he retired so early, he said "they're building faster rats." Enjoy the cheese.

[StevieG]

I was at Fishermans Memorial state campground in Rhode Island this past Sunday to Tuesday. This a a state park that completely books up a year out in the summer. I got a site in area 1 because I was lucky enough to go on the Reserve America website just after somebody canceled. I felt so lucky getting a good site near the water because when I booked it a few weeks ago, there were absolutely no sites open the days we were going. However, while there, we saw several unused sites in our section and several campers that were closed up and nobody there the entire time. Being so cheap, and such a nice CG, it's easy to see why I saw both situations all over. I don't know what the cure is, but think it sucks... I would love to go there more often, but there just aren't any cancellations and I refuse to book a year out...

[Davdeb1]

The only reason the reservation system is so full is you can't find a park for the nightly fee equivalent. Its very cheap and yes, there are many that reserve "just in case". They might think they will be in the area, but plans many times change. Since there is no penalty, they don't even bother to cancel sometimes.
I reserved two places this winter that I really wanted to stay. I had to pay upfront, with no refunds, only credit toward next stay. This is the way the reservation should be handled for the Florida State parks. I bet there would be lots more openings this way.