It’s not impossible to sneak into a campground or RV park when you don’t have a reservation but, especially during the summer, it can be pretty difficult to pull off. So here are some tips to make getting that unreserved site a little more probable:
1. Early birds get the site. If you can work it into your schedule, showing up to an RV park early in the day makes all the difference. Typically, by 10 or 11 a.m. Overnighters have left the park to hit the road and day travelers haven’t yet arrived to stop for the night.
2. Midweek makes it happen. Showing up on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday helps you beat the weekend crowd, when RV parks are typically at capacity. A mid-morning arrival on a Tuesday oftentimes can guarantee you get a spot for the night.
3. Ask around. The RV and trailer-towing community can be pretty tight. At your stops or during your journeys don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on what camping sites and RV parks have vacancies.
4. Use your phone. On the day of, call the RV park or campground and ask what’s available. That can save you some additional driving.
