Recreation dot gov

[Coyote Chris]

Many of us know the frustration of trying to find a forest service campground/site on Recreation.gov in this age of Uber campers.
You see a campground that is full and you keep checking back to see if someone canceled.
Now the Forest Service offers notificaitons if a campsite becomes available. I know not if this is ONE specific campsite or can be set up for an entire campground.
Hope to play with the alert system later.

The Alert You’ve Been Waiting For...​

Camping availability alerts are now available across all campsites on Recreation.gov! If that campsite you’ve been eyeing seems to be booked up before you got the chance to snag it, the availability alerts feature provides you with updates regarding changes in campsite availability based on your trip preferences through your Recreation.gov account. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin setting up your alerts:​

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Setting an alert does not guarantee a reservation, the alert simply lets you know when a campsite is available that meets your criteria.​

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You must have a Recreation.gov account and be signed in to set alerts.​

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Recreation.gov will send an availability notification to the email address associated with your Recreation.gov account when a campsite matching the alert becomes available.​

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[junglejim]

Good to know. I’ve never had a problem finding a campsite in remote areas away from places like Yellowstone etc. Nonetheless campsites are becoming more crowded. And tent sites are the easiest to find - especially in those “don’t ask, don’t tell” places.

 

[Yoda]

Call me an old school Luddite, but If I have to reserve a Federal / State camp site, I’m not going. Too much bureaucracy/ red tape. Drives me nuts. How am I supposed to know which campsite to choose from their crappy map? Arrgh.
However, I WILL make a reservation at a commercial campground (KOA) if needed.
I guess I should plan to camp more in the “dispersed” no fee / no amenities areas.
Rant over.

 

[junglejim]

Sorry Rich, but KOA is the last place I’ll look for a campsite. I’m no expert because I’ve only stayed in 3 in the last 40 or 50 years. But
$30+tax to camp next to an RV with its generator running all night - no thanks.

 

[mikesim]

Even when we had our RV, we didn't stay at KOAs

Mike

 

[Yoda]

Stayed at a lot of KOA’s in my life time. Mostly with RV’s, a few moto tenting.

Pro’s: Clean, quiet, good restrooms & showers, well managed. Usually have a convenience store. (Most are newer and more modern than Chris’s in Spearfish).

Cons: Pricey, some located in town,

Our favorite is the KOA North of Ouray, Colorado. Beautiful scenery, creek, trees. Nice cafe in summer. Some of the best motorcycle roads anywhere nearby. Costs a lot but worth it. Still cheaper than hotels.

 

[Yoda]

Sorry Rich, but KOA is the last place I’ll look for a campsite. I’m no expert because I’ve only stayed in 3 in the last 40 or 50 years. But
$30+tax to camp next to an RV with its generator running all night - no thanks.

Jim, KOA’s always prohibit generators. And, they have mandatory quiet after 10 pm. Only place I’ve experienced generators all night has been state / fed campgrounds with no hookups.
However, 30 bucks won’t even get you a tent site these inflationary times. I recently spent $60 for RV full hook up.

 

[Mellow]

KOAs = Planes, Trains or Automobiles...

Most are located near an Airport or Military base, Active train track route or major highway... there are a few exceptions like the one in Moab, UT or Duboi, WY. But some are located near all-light lumber yards lol

The one in Amarillo is interesting, it's near all 3, had an Osprey hover in an open field near that one one early morning... but that was cool.

I avoid them due to cost and noise but you do know you'll get a good shower and ear plugs are a must sometimes.

There are some ok free places to camp.

Free Camping Near You | Go Camping for Free!

Finding free camping locations is easy! Use our interactive map to find camping near you or plan an epic free camping road trip with our trip planner.

freecampsites.net

 

[Chucksklrst]

Just pitch your tent any old place in the Denver area, seems like everybody else does. You don't even have to go stealth. But not right now as it is -4 degrees in Aurora this morning.

 

[Mellow]

Just pitch your tent any old place in the Denver area, seems like everybody else does. You don't even have to go stealth. But not right now as it is -4 degrees in Aurora this morning.

Assuming you'd want to be anywhere near Denver LOL!