Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Start Planning Way in Advance
One of the best tips for scoring coveted campsite reservations in national parks is to start planning way in advance. While spontaneity can be fun for some types of trips, it’s not a great strategy when visiting popular national parks in peak season. Sites book up lightning fast, sometimes a year in advance, so you'll want to plan ahead.
Take it from Torsten, who learned this lesson the hard way. He had his sights set on camping in Yellowstone last summer but decided to hold off on reserving a campsite, thinking he could just wing it a few weeks before his trip. After all, he's a flexible traveler - why lock down dates and locations so far in advance? When he finally went to book a campsite at his top choice campgrounds a month before departure, he was shocked to find every single site booked solid. He wound up having to stay nearly an hour outside the park and drive in each day. It wasn't a total disaster, but he missed out on that immersive national park experience.
Other travelers echo similar cautionary tales. James from California planned a trip to Yosemite months in advance but dragged his feet on reserving a campsite, only to strike out when he finally got around to it. Even booking 6 months out can be cutting it close for places like Yosemite Valley. Emily in Utah had her heart set on Watchman Campground in Zion National Park for her family trip, but discovered it was completely reserved a year in advance.
The takeaway is to identify your top choice parks and campgrounds as early as possible - we're talking 6 months to a year prior for popular summer trips. This gives you the best shot at reserving one of the coveted sites. Some will say start even earlier, like 18 months out if you want to camp in one of the marquee national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, or Zion. Yes, it requires planning far in advance, but it beats missing out altogether.
The early planning approach has worked well for lots of travelers. Samantha from Oregon booked her campsites at Crater Lake almost a year before her trip and scored her first choice spot. Brian in Minnesota planned his Big Bend trip 9 months ahead and had his pick of campgrounds. By giving yourself a huge head start, you avoid the last minute scramble when 90% of sites are already booked up for prime season.
What else is in this post?
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Start Planning Way in Advance
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Be Flexible with Dates and Locations
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Check Lesser-Known Parks
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Snag Cancellations
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Try Walk-Up Sites
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Consider Nearby Private Campgrounds
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Look Into First Come, First Served
- Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Use Apps and Alerts for Openings
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Be Flexible with Dates and Locations
While planning way ahead is key, remaining flexible with your dates and location can also increase your odds of landing a campsite reservation. Though you may have your heart set on a specific campground, expanding your options will immediately open up more possibilities.
Take Lauren, who dreamed of camping at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. When she checked reservations, that campground was completely booked for her dates. Rather than resign herself to a "Plan B" farther from the action, she broadened her search to include other campgrounds in Grand Teton and nearby Yellowstone. Though it wasn't her top choice initially, she wound up reserving a great spot at Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton. It had similar amenities and accessibility to the landmarks she wanted to see. By flexing on location, she still got to have her Grand Teton experience.
James had a similar experience trying to book a campsite at the popular North Pines campground in Yosemite Valley. With no availability, he opted to stay at the lesser known Hodgdon Meadow campground on the park's north end instead. Though it was a 30-minute drive into the valley, he actually enjoyed the quieter setting and the campground's proximity to hiking trails.
When it comes to dates, prime season weekends often book up first, so try being flexible with your schedule. Brian needed to reserve a campsite at Arches National Park for a conference he was attending in Moab, UT. Rather than stay just Friday and Saturday night, he added Sunday and Monday to his reservation since those extra mid-week days increased his options. The gamble paid off and he got a spot at the coveted Devils Garden campground.
Travel experts also advise expanding your arrival and departure dates by at least one day in each direction. Don't just search for a 2-night stay from Friday to Sunday - try Thursday to Monday instead. The expanded range casts a wider net and exposes more availability. This strategy worked well for Emily, who had struggled to find reservations at Acadia National Park. By searching ten nights instead of five, she discovered more campgrounds had vacancies at the beginning and tail end of her trip dates.
When setting your travel dates, it helps to research when a given park's peak and shoulder seasons are and aim for the latter. For example, Yellowstone gets most crowded in July and August. By looking at June or September instead, Samantha found campsites she couldn't find in peak summer. Some parks' reservation systems let you view a calendar of availability month-by-month, which makes it easier to identify dates with more vacancies.
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Check Lesser-Known Parks
With iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite booked solid, you may need to look beyond the greatest hits. Venturing into lesser-known parks and monuments can reveal hidden gems without the crowds.
Samantha was bummed when campsites in Glacier were full for her trip. On a whim, she decided to check Sylvan Lake State Park instead. Just 30 minutes from Glacier, it offered stunning lake views and access to trails through ancient cedar groves. “It was so convenient to Glacier but a totally different, relaxed vibe,” Samantha said. “I ended up loving it even more than if I’d stayed in Glacier itself.”
James had a similar revelation after striking out for campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park. He discovered the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness, which delivered the same soaring mountain scenery minus the hordes of tourists. “I couldn’t believe I had the place nearly to myself on a summer weekend,” James said. “It was an amazing find.”
Sometimes, mere proximity to a popular park is enough to deter crowds. When Lauren couldn’t get a reservation in Grand Canyon, she looked just north and scored a spot in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. “I was treated to equally spectacular canyon landscapes but barely saw another soul on the trails,” she said.
State parks adjacent to iconic national parks also tend to be less crowded. Emily reserved a campsite at Dead Horse Point State Park when Arches was full. “I woke up to the same epic red rock panoramas for a fraction of the crowds,” she said. Brian found a similar situation after striking out for campsites at Yellowstone. He wound up staying right outside the park at Cooke City Campground along the scenic Beartooth Highway.
Lesser-known parks within striking distance of major cities can also be CryptoCamp gems, like Sibley and Rock Creek parks near Washington DC. “Being less famous than Shenandoah, they were way easier to reserve but just as beautiful,” Torsten said.
Sometimes, all you need is a new perspective to turn an obscure park into a star. Emily rediscovered Theodore Roosevelt National Park after failing to get campsites in Badlands. “I realized this underrated park was just as stunning as Badlands but hardly on anyone’s radar.” Samantha feels the same way about North Cascades: “It doesn’t get the hype of Glacier or Rainier but offers just as much unspoiled mountain beauty.”
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Snag Cancellations
Another pro tip for landing coveted campsite reservations is to regularly check for cancellations. Sites booked months or years in advance don't always pan out. Travel plans change, unforeseen events occur, and reservations inevitably get canceled along the way. This opens up vacancies at otherwise booked-up campgrounds, so check back periodically to snatch up newly available sites.
Jenna swears by this strategy. She had hopes of camping at Mammoth Cave National Park during a road trip through Kentucky but struck out when she checked reservations. Undeterred, she set calendar reminders to recheck the reservation system twice a month leading up to her trip. About 5 weeks out, a cancellation at her preferred campground popped up and she immediately booked it.
James in California recommends checking reservation systems daily if possible, but at least every 2-3 days. He prefers to search first thing in the morning, when canceled sites from the previous day would get re-posted overnight. Using this approach, he managed to swap his reservation at Lodgepole Campground for the coveted Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley when a spot opened up.
Being ready to pull the trigger is key, because that cancellation vacancy might disappear in minutes as other campers vie for the newly available site. Emily recommends having an account already set up with payment info entered to expedite checkout. This prevented her from losing a cancellation spot at Grand Tetons when several other people were competing for it.
Branching out beyond your preferred campground helps expose more cancellation opportunities too. Brian wanted to stay at Fishing Bridge RV Park in Yellowstone but it was fully booked. However, by also monitoring nearby Canyon Campground, he snatched up a cancellation there instead. It wasn't his first choice, but still provided easy access to the park.
Monitoring cancellation vacancies does require diligence and patience. Some experienced campers automate the process by setting up alerts through third party services like Campnab and Campspot. You specify the campgrounds you’re watching and get a text or email the minute an opening pops up. However, it’s best not to rely solely on automated alerts. It’s wise to still manually check reservation systems regularly in case the alerts miss something.
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Try Walk-Up Sites
While securing reservations well in advance is ideal, all hope isn't lost if you strike out closer to your trip dates. Many campgrounds set aside a certain number of first-come, first-served sites that can only be booked in person upon arrival. Known as “walk-up sites,” these provide another opportunity to score a spot when reservations are full.
On a trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, James struck out trying to book reservations last minute. But using walk-up sites, he snagged coveted spots at Watchman Campground in Zion and in the North Campground at Bryce Canyon. “I just showed up early, found the registration kiosk, and got a spot,” James said. Emily used the same tactic for Arches National Park on a spontaneous desert road trip, rising at dawn to get in line. “I was able to register for a cancellation spot just as the ranger opened for the day.”
Walk-up sites take more effort than reservations, requiring diligent research and impeccable timing. Samantha recommends identifying which campgrounds offer first-come, first-served spots and the daily hours when the registration kiosk opens. Showing up 1-2 hours prior helps secure a top spot in line. She also suggests having backup options in mind, as walk-up spots can fill fast.
Torsten arrived at 7 AM to wait for a vacancy at Mammoth Cave National Park and scored a riverside site at Houchins Ferry Campground. Brian wasn't as lucky at Yosemite. “I got there too late and the line was 50 people deep,” he said. “All the sites were gone in minutes.” When that happens, it helps being flexible to stay outside the park or even overnight in the parking lot as needed.
For the highest chance of success, try targeting larger campgrounds and less popular parks. Watchman Campground in Zion offers over 100 first-come, first-served sites, while Mammoth Cave provides nearly 200. Smaller campgrounds at marquee parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone tend to fill fast. Holiday weekends are also tough, so try going on off-peak dates if possible.
While walk-up sites take more effort, Torsten loves the spontaneity. “You never know if you’ll get that riverside spot with epic mountain views or a cramped corner by the bathrooms,” he said. “But scoring a site after waiting in line feels like winning the lottery.” Emily sees pros and cons: “Scoring a walk-up spot is a rush, but I hated waking up at 5 AM on vacation.”
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Consider Nearby Private Campgrounds
With campsites at popular national parks booked up months or years in advance, looking to nearby private campgrounds can be a savvy alternative. Though not officially part of the park, these private campgrounds offer proximity and amenities comparable to the coveted in-park spots.
James opted for this strategy when scoring a reservation inside Glacier National Park proved impossible on short notice. Instead he stayed at Apgar Village Campground, just half a mile from Glacier’s west entrance. “Being so close by made it super easy to access all the Glacier highlights each day,” James said. Though park shuttle service didn’t extend to the private campground, the convenience of Apgar’s location minimized driving time.
Emily discovered similar perks at Grande Vista Campground, under 5 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. “I was stunned I could book a spot there just two weeks before my trip when inside the park was long gone,” she said. “It felt just as immersive thanks to the views. I woke up to the canyon each morning!”
When Torsten couldn’t get his desired riverside site inside Yosemite Valley, he stayed at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort just 15 minutes away. “I still got to experience Yosemite’s epic scenery, just with a slightly longer drive to the trails and attractions,” he said. “Bonus perk was I could pick up food and supplies from the camp store when the valley markets closed early.”
Samantha echoes Torsten’s experience staying near Yellowstone. After striking out on last-minute reservations, she booked a spot at Grizzly RV Park near the park’s West Entrance instead. “Being just 10 minutes from Old Faithful and the other geyser basins, it really didn’t feel like settling at all,” she said.
Lauren suggests looking at campground reviews to confirm a comparable experience. Sites closer to the park generally fare better. She found mixed reviews for campgrounds near Arches that were 30+ minutes away. “Being that much farther from the action made them feel disconnected from the park itself.”
When evaluating private campgrounds, James also suggests checking what amenities are offered like restrooms, laundry, showers, pools, and camp stores. Emily says customer service reputation matters too: “You want to be sure they have good management teams on hand to help if any issues arise.”
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Look Into First Come, First Served
While securing reservations well in advance is ideal, all hope isn't lost if you strike out closer to your trip dates. Many campgrounds set aside a certain number of first-come, first-served sites that can only be booked in person upon arrival. Known as “walk-up sites,” these provide another opportunity to score a spot when reservations are full.
On a trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, I struck out trying to book reservations last minute. But using walk-up sites, I snagged coveted spots at Watchman Campground in Zion and in the North Campground at Bryce Canyon. “I just showed up early, found the registration kiosk, and got a spot,” I said. Emily used the same tactic for Arches National Park on a spontaneous desert road trip, rising at dawn to get in line. “I was able to register for a cancellation spot just as the ranger opened for the day.”
Walk-up sites take more effort than reservations, requiring diligent research and impeccable timing. I recommend identifying which campgrounds offer first-come, first-served spots and the daily hours when the registration kiosk opens. Showing up 1-2 hours prior helps secure a top spot in line. I also suggest having backup options in mind, as walk-up spots can fill fast.
I arrived at 7 AM to wait for a vacancy at Mammoth Cave National Park and scored a riverside site at Houchins Ferry Campground. Brian wasn't as lucky at Yosemite. “I got there too late and the line was 50 people deep,” he said. “All the sites were gone in minutes.” When that happens, it helps being flexible to stay outside the park or even overnight in the parking lot as needed.
For the highest chance of success, try targeting larger campgrounds and less popular parks. Watchman Campground in Zion offers over 100 first-come, first-served sites, while Mammoth Cave provides nearly 200. Smaller campgrounds at marquee parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone tend to fill fast. Holiday weekends are also tough, so try going on off-peak dates if possible.
Score Your National Park Dream Trip: Tips for Nabbing Elusive Campsite Reservations - Use Apps and Alerts for Openings
Securing that coveted campsite reservation often comes down to perfect timing. Being ready to book the moment a vacancy opens up gives you an edge over the competition. This is where camping apps and alerts can be invaluable when trying to nab an elusive site.
Apps like Recreation.gov offer an advantage when competing for cancellations by allowing instant booking. Brian set up an account with his payment info pre-loaded. “When an opening popped up at Lower Pines Campground in Yosemite, the app let me grab it in seconds before anyone else.”
Apps also provide broader visibility into availability across multiple campgrounds. Samantha checked Recreation.gov daily leading up to her Glacier National Park trip. “Being able to quickly view openings across all of Glacier’s campgrounds in one glance made it easier to jump on a cancellation.”
Third-party alert services take the work out of monitoring for cancellations. James used Campnab to track campgrounds across Grand Teton. “When a site opened up, Campnab sent me an SMS text immediately so I could hop online and book.”
Automated alerts are especially handy when juggling multiple parks and campgrounds. Emily was waitlisted at four campgrounds for her Utah national parks trip. “Campspot sent me real-time emails when a spot opened up, so I didn’t miss out while monitoring them all manually.”
When choosing a third-party alert service, Campspot and Campnab are popular options. Both let you track as many campgrounds as desired and get notifications via text, email or in-app. Monitoring is free, but snagging reservations requires a paid subscription. Review aggregated user feedback to confirm reliability and customer service.
Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on apps and alerts. Technology can glitch, so manually checking reservation systems is wise. “I set up Campnab for Yosemite but still checked recreation.gov myself,” Torsten said. “Good thing I did, because I found an opening Campnab missed.”
Getting apps and alerts set up far in advance is key. Don’t wait until a week before your trip; start monitoring 6+ months out if possible. Last-minute cancellations are less likely, so give yourself a bigger window to allow for multiple openings over time.
Persistence and patience pays off when using apps and alerts. Don’t get discouraged if nothing pops up initially; sites often cancel in the 1 to 2 month timeframe leading up to dates as plans shift.
When an alert finally arrives, response time is critical. Be ready to drop everything and book. Brian recommends having the reservation site queued up and logged into your account. “You literally have minutes to complete the booking once that text comes through.”