Embarking on a camping adventure is exciting, although it can be a bit daunting when it comes to booking the most ideal campsite in the US. Our step-by-step camping guide will simplify your reservation process, making it easy to select and book campsites that suit your family camping needs.

Early Planning

Decide when and where you want to camp. Popular national parks and prime season dates book fast, so start planning at least six months ahead. Factors to consider include the kind of camping experience you want (RV, tent, cabins), amenities, proximity to activities and whether pets are allowed.

Campgrounds Research

Every campground has its unique charm. Research online to find ones with good reviews and the amenities you want. Check out these popular campsite booking platforms to help you find your perfect camping spot. 

• Washington State Park: https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ offers online booking of campsites in Washington State Parks. 
  • Pros: The user-friendly platform provides comprehensive details about every campsite, including site types, availability, and pricing. Many campsites come equipped with RV/trailer hook-ups and upgraded amenities such as restrooms and showers.
  • Cons: Limited to Washington State Parks only. 

• US National Park: https://www.recreation.gov/  provides bookings for campsites in national parks across the U.S. 
  • Pros: Broad selection of campsites across the nation, also includes events, guided tours, and ticket booking. 
  • Cons: High demand can lead to limited availability, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, it’s worth noting that many campgrounds lack conveniences like flush toilets and showers. Check out portable toilet solutions for camping.

• Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US connects campers to landowners who lease camping, glamping, and RV sites on their land. 
  • Pros: Great for finding unique and off-the-beaten-path campsites. Offers diverse range of accommodation types. 
  • Cons: Quality and layout of some campsites may vary due to being privately owned. 

• Thousand Trails https://thousandtrails.com/  offers a membership that allows unlimited camping in a network of campgrounds. 
  • Pros: Cost effective for frequent campers, wide range of sites with resort-like amenities. 
  • Cons: Requires commitment to a membership, may not be economical for casual campers. Some top spots may be crowded due to the unlimited access. 

Find more in this article: Top 10 websites to find camping sites (public and private) in PNW

Campsite Booking 

You’ve found your ideal campground. Now it’s time to book a campsite. In the United States, platforms like Recreation.gov and Reserve America typically allow you to make campsite bookings up to six months ahead. Keep in mind that in-demand locations tend to fill up rapidly, so book as early as possible.  

Here are some strategies you can consider to secure a campsite at a super popular location and win the “click race”. 

• Create an Account in Advance. This will save you time during the booking process. 
• Set an Alarm or Reminder. Some popular campgrounds can fill up within minutes. Check out the Season and Booking Window ahead so you can set an alarm on your device. 
  • One of our favorite campsites is Kachess Campground. 2024 season starts on 5/27/2024 and you can book 6-month in advance starting on 11/23/2023 7am PDT. I have a calendar reminder and an alarm set up on 5/27/2024 6:45 am PDT.
  • A very popular campsite is Fairholme Campground in the Olympic National Park. The reservation season is May 25, 2023 – September 20, 2023.  The campsites will be releasing in a series of 3 staggered block releases by loop – 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance.  

• Know the Layout: Familiarize yourself with the campground’s layout and have a few preferred campsites in mind. This way, you can quickly select one if your first choice is unavailable. Learn more about optimizing your campsite selection in this informative article: Choosing the Right Place on a Campsite.
• Pre-fill Information: If the platform allows it, pre-fill your payment information, so you only need to click once to complete the booking. 
• Be Ready in Advance: Log in to the booking platform a few minutes before reservations open. Refresh the page as soon as the clock hits the booking time.  
• Have Backup Dates: If your preferred date is already booked, have alternative dates in mind. You might find availability on less crowded days. 
• Other Information: Be sure to double-check cancellation policies and whether there are additional costs like vehicle or amenity fees. 

If advance booking isn’t an option for you, there are alternative methods to secure a campsite:

• Walk-in Campsites: Some campgrounds offer walk-in only campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. To increase your chances, consider arriving early on weekdays, particularly in the morning (some campsites start the reservation at 5am PDT!).
• Facebook Groups for Campsite Transferring/Trading: You may find fellow campers willing to exchange or transfer their reservations, providing an opportunity to secure a spot even at popular locations. We have used “WA State Camping Reservations Re-Listings” group several times.

Confirm Your Reservation 

After booking, you should receive a confirmation email detailing your reservation. This will include important info like your arrival/departure dates, campsite number, and other crucial details. It’s a good idea to print this out or have it available on your mobile device when checking in. 

In summary, booking a campsite in the US is a straightforward process if you know where to look and book well in advance. Happy camping!