How To: Get a Camping Spot

You've decided to take a camping trip. Good! You have three options.

1. Backpacking/Boondocking - Pack up your stuff, drive to your desired area and look around for a spot to set up camp. Be careful that you aren't camping on private property. Your best bets are federal or state land  available for public use. You run a risk of not being able to find a spot, but if you are a risk taker and enjoy the unknown, this is for you.

2. Walk-In Campsite - All campgrounds offer sites you can reserve and walk-in sites meaning first-come-first-served. Usually at least half of the campsites are walk-in only so unless its a busy holiday weekend there is a good chance you'll get something. Load up your gear and head to the campground you have in mind hoping to get a spot. Have an alternate campground in case your first choice is full. Worse case scenario you aren't able to find a campground with an available spot and you have to boondock it for a night and see if one opens up.

3. Reservations! - This is me. I reserve every single time we go camping. I like knowing that we FOR SURE have a spot to dump our gear and sleep, especially if we are driving a long distance. There are websites available for online reservations, or you can call the phone number and make them with a reservation agent. You will be allowed to select the exact park and campsite you want, as long as its available and reservable. Some parks even have yurts or cabins you can rent. See below.

Federal Camping; www.recreation.gov - this is a great site for reserving Forest Service and other federal campsites. A good majority are primitive sites (see my previous post about types of camping). There is an online reservation fee but for me, its worth the peace of mind. If you are a disabled Veteran like myself you get half off camping!

State Park Camping; www.reserveamerica.gov - You can reserve for an $8 fee per reservation (whether its 1 or 5 nights). These parks usually have full hook ups, grass and concrete. Veterans get free camping in certain states. The state of Idaho doesn't offer it unless you are 100% disabled but the state of Oregon offers free camping for all disabled vets (LOVE YOU OREGON)!