RANT: Why are camping sites so hard to book in summer

Dec 201 min read

Literally trying to plan one measly camping trip for August and everything within 2 hours is booked solid. State parks, private campgrounds, national forests - all gone. I get that everyone wants to camp in summer but this is ridiculous. Started checking sites at like 6am when reservations opened and still missed out. Meanwhile my two kids are asking me every day when we're going camping. Might just do a backyard camping thing and call it good but ngl I was really hoping for something different this year. Anyone else just give up and do late-season camping in September instead?

13 comments432 views

Comments(13)

DDerek P.RegularDec 20

Everyone wants the exact same dates in August. Try July or early September - weather's still solid, way fewer people. Or do what I do: pick a location, check availability weekly, book whatever pops up. Be flexible and you'll find something.

AAllen K.RegularDec 20

This is exactly why I started tent camping on BLM land in the desert instead. Free, unlimited spots, way more peace. Might not be an option depending on where you live but worth exploring.

BBen D.RegularDec 21

The real answer? Go during school. My family does late August after most people started prepping for school. Same sites, nobody's there, way cheaper. Only downside is dealing with potential rain.

CCarlos M.New DadDec 21

This frustrates me so much. Like I just want to take my family camping for one weekend and somehow it's either impossible or $150/night for a parking lot. The camping industrial complex is real

FFrank D.RegularDec 21

Try booking weekdays instead of weekends. Monday-Thursday you can usually find stuff. It's annoying to rearrange but way better availability and cheaper

DDave K.RegularDec 21

Have you checked dispersed camping in national forests? No reservation, no crowds, free or like $5. Tougher but actually fun if you're into that

DDom F.RegularDec 21

Everyone wants to plan a camping trip but nobody wants to plan it early. That's the whole problem. August books up by March now. For next year, start looking in December

GGreg H.RegularDec 22

This is why you gotta book at like 5am on the day reservations open. Set a phone alarm for the exact minute your state parks go live. Sounds insane but it's literally the only way to get August dates.

VVic H.RegularDec 23

tried the early booking thing and it's BRUTAL. Sites literally go in minutes. Now I just do August 15-22 when school starts and nobody cares. Parks have open spots and prices drop 30%.

AArchie K.RegularDec 22

Have you tried weekday camping? We go Wed-Fri whenever possible and it's life-changing. Campgrounds are 70% empty, kids actually sleep, way better vibe than weekend warrior chaos.

JJamal W.RegularDec 22

Bro same struggle. Been planning a Labor Day trip for like 2 months and everything is either booked or costs $90/night for a dirt lot. Started looking at private land rentals through Hipcamp - way more options and weirdly cheaper.

TThomas H.RegularDec 23

What state are you in? Some regions are way worse than others. West coast is basically impossible but if you're in the Midwest or South you might have more luck

WWill R.RegularDec 23

Yeah this is peak summer problem. Pro tip: book like January/February for August trips. Everyone else is waiting till June and wondering why everything's full