While there have always been people who enjoy camping, the limited travel options during the COVID-19 pandemic had people sleeping under the stars (or in a tent) who would not have considered doing so beforehand. Although we’re only a few months away from the vaccine launch about 30% the people in the country have been fully vaccinated, so it’s not that everything is “normal” again – including the way we travel.
This means campsites will be a hot commodity for the second year in a row. Yes, it’s a good idea to reserve a campsite ASAP, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get one on the week you plan to travel. In a newer one Article in the New York TimesMegan Michelson shares some tips on how to make a last minute campsite reservation. Here’s what to know.
Check both public and private campsites
If Reserve America and recreation.gov are your go-to places to reserve a campsite and you won’t find anything, don’t forget to like on private campsites KOAs.
Plus, there are so many other ways to camp on private property – like websites where you can book a place for your tent. (Don’t just wander onto someone’s land and prepare for the night without permission.) That includes Hip camp, Tentrr, Harvest hosts, GlampingHub, Storage place or Airbnb.
Find a campsite that comes first and is served first
Some campsites – including many in state parks and some national parks – have a certain number of campsites for walk-in customers who need to book a spot for the night. Check this out to find one of these List of campsites that are allocated based on availability compiled across the country by RVShare.
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Consider roughing it on (certain areas of) public land
Another option is to look into public land owned by the Land Management Office or the US Forest Service, which is free and does not require a reservation. Basically, you sleep in the wilderness, without the amenities of the simplest campground, and have to do your homework on what is and is not allowed on that particular land, including the “Leave no traces “ and campfire regulations. Check websites like Campendium and Freecampsites.net find a place to camp.
