happybooker1

I have tried to make reservations at several SP's recently via the reservation website. All are full for the weekend (May 6)I want to go. I heard/read someone say that usually if you just 'show up' you will get a campsite because of cancellations/people not showing up to claim a site. I am looking for a tent site with water/elec.

Is this generally true or do you find it's *necessary* to have reservations? Or should I cll the park directly the morning of & see if I can reserve a campsite with them?

campermom

Have you tried searching at other nearby parks? You could stumble onto something new and find you are glad you went there. Just a thought.

Shannon

It's generally best to have reservations. I'd hate to drive all the way out to a park with all my gear, banking on the hope that someone cancels or doesn't show (but calls ahead, so the park knows their spot will be vacant that night.)

The closer a park is to a major metro area, the more likely it's going to be booked on weekends, especially in the spring and summer months. The state park nearest us, for example, quotes that their weekends book 2 months in advance. That's probably overstating things a little bit, but not by much.

If you cannot find a site via the online reservation method, it's best to call the park directly and see if they have a site. I've never camped without a reservation made before-hand, and if I'm in doubt about the online reservation system (sometimes it's down for maintenance, etc.) I call the park directly to inquire on if they're overbooked yet.

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SQUASH

I tried that this weekend at ERock. I had reservations for Thursday night, and wanted to stay Fri. night, but no cancellations opened (or if they did someone beat me to the office to slide into that spot). I wish they would keep a list of people already at the park to slide into open spots when cancellations occur. Bottom line, I wouldn't drive too far without a reservation.

By the way, I stayed at Black Rock Park (administered by TPW) on the shores of Lake Buchanan on Fri. night. It was very nice and only about a 35 minute from ERock where I was photographing.

4everfrio

It is best to book reservations in advance. Yes, there are cancellations, but you better be one of the first in line at the office, in the morning. It's a first come , first served - service.
As previously stated, it isn't uncommon for popular parks to book months in advance. Just keep surfing the reservation site. If I want to get in a popular park, I'll check every day, sometimes twice a day. It has worked for me. Good luck and happy camping.

copuswalker

Keep in mind you also have National Forest and parks as well as Army Corp parks. There is also the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Trinity River Authority has Wolf Creek Park on Lake Livingston??

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