Community Forums

Tdave · 12-09-2021, 08:31 AM

Ok, I'm not a newbie to this whole thing, been camping and reserving for over a decade.

Planning a 6 week trip for next summer, the last destination that needs to be booked is Grand Teton, Colter Bay RV Park.

I've been watching the recreation.gov website in preparation for my reservation window opening next week. Each day, new reservation releases get snapped up, early July is of course very popular there.

I decided to start to "practice" reserving, to make sure I'm on my A-game day-of, and I am shocked how much I am striking out. I have multiple browsers open, dates teed up, logged in under different accounts, and strike immediately when the clock turns 10am on my PC (accurately verified).

I have never scored a site.

It's almost like I'm competing against bots.

I'm starting to get quite stressed over this. It's the last link in a very long chain that needs to be executed.

Any tips to improve my odds?

R.Wold · 12-09-2021, 09:05 AM

Do they answer the phone? I have this number : (307) 543-3100

I dont like on line reservations anyway- is that the only way they’ll let you reserve a site?

Also there’s the general store that might be able to help (307) 543-2811

And the visitor center (307) 739-3594

I guess maybe none of this is staffed this time of year so on-line is the only way.

Backcountry1 · 12-09-2021, 09:14 AM

Hahaha, well I guess I can strike you off my list of competitors who keep grabbing those spots at precisely 10:00.000001am even though I’m clicking reserve at 10:00.00000000000001am.

Tdave · 12-09-2021, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Wold

Do they answer the phone? I have this number : (307) 543-3100

I dont like on line reservations anyway- is that the only way they’ll let you reserve a site?

Also there’s the general store that might be able to help (307) 543-2811

And the visitor center (307) 739-3594

I guess maybe none of this is staffed this time of year so on-line is the only way.

When you call, they tell you that all they can do is help you with what's available, which mirrors exactly what is online. There's no stock held in reserve for phone reservations.

Calling is definitely not a strategy for success in this day of online reservations.

Tdave · 12-09-2021, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Backcountry1

Hahaha, well I guess I can strike you off my list of competitors who keep grabbing those spots at precisely 10:00.000001am even though I’m clicking reserve at 10:00.00000000000001am.

Right?!?! My cat-like reflexes are no match for what's happening precisely at 10am, which makes me wonder if bots are snapping up these reservations.

But that would mean these reservations are then being resold somewhere, but I don't see where that could be.

My anxiety is steadily rising as the date gets closer. How I wish for the old days.

Jkjavelin · 12-09-2021, 10:24 AM

Yes, the lack of availability is nerve wracking. That's why we're going a bit early. 2 hours ago, at 9 AM (central) sharp, I just reserved a site at the Headwaters Campground for June 9th, 6 months from now exactly, 17 miles from Colter Bay. My 5th wheel is only 31 feet long, which also helps. Next I will reserve a spot at Wapiti Campground, just east of Yellowstone (edit: half electric, half no hookups) for the week before. It's wide open. In fact I'll do it right now.
JK

D20 · 12-09-2021, 10:32 AM

I know how that goes at Colter Bay so I didn't even bother trying. I booked at a campground outside the park 4 months ago. I'll just drive in.

Tomahawk · 12-09-2021, 07:33 PM

I don't think there are any tricks. Good luck. I would also keep checking for cancellations, like once or twice a day. I am not familiar with the area but I would also look for private and less popular campgrounds. I know a few years ago, a friend of mine had 10 people online poised for sites at Yosemite, they wanted 3, got 4. Then cancelled one a few days later, I think there is a dead zone where can't cancel or modify for a few days after the reservation is made.

Biljol · 12-09-2021, 08:54 PM

Start trying earlier you might be suppressed that at 9:58 you can get a spot but not 10:00 I work in IT and many time we open items 5 min early so we don’t get calls that it was not open at 10.

Toby Dog · 12-10-2021, 05:18 AM

I have spoken with Florida and Recreation.Gov. They both told me that when your phone, laptop, desktop, or tablet clicks over to the specified time the window opens. I was mistakenly using atomic time.

wbgolfer · 12-10-2021, 05:52 AM

So set your PC clock ahead one minute? Or 5 minutes? Seems odd it would be your clock and not their server’s clock.

twinboat · 12-10-2021, 07:04 AM

The Florida reservation site now has a countdown timer on its screen.

I am still striking out. I think you need a super fast connection and finger.

baraff · 12-10-2021, 08:46 AM

I think you are competing with reservation bots. I have given up on trying to reserve at popular parks.

Ldubs · 12-10-2021, 10:06 AM

I admit I'm pretty much a dinosaur when it comes to understanding all of the tech behind this.

When I book our state campgrounds, I have to go through one of those "I'm not a bot" exercises. Don't those stop the bots from making the reservation?