We learned about reservations and holidays the hard way. We had attended a conference, and then decided to go to a State Park near where some relatives were - over the Independence Day holiday. Called the relatives and told them our plan. They told us that we wouldn't get anything and to camp in their driveway.

We made our reservations for Labor Day weekend a couple of weeks ago and got one of the last spots in that park. We'll be campground hosts over Independence Day this year, so that's taken care of. The park where we are now is a first-come, first-serve one (city park), so we got here about a week before Memorial Day and paid for a month.

If we don't have reservations we like to arrive as early in the day as possible. Once or twice we've had to wait until the current occupant left, but usually we can get a spot right away. Part of that is arriving during the week, rather than on a weekend. If we don't have reservations, we figure out where we want to land, and Jo Ann starts working the computers and phones.

We have yet to stay at a Flying J/Pilot, Cracker Barrel, or Wal-Mart, but I suppose that some day that will be our only option.

  On 6/13/2019 at 11:15 PM, FL-JOE said:

If you have an iPhone you may want to download the RVParky app.

 

There's an android version, too.

  On 6/15/2019 at 10:06 PM, LindaH said:

There's an android version, too.

Makes sense, I suspect it is a popular free app for most.

We have a run coming up in a week or so that will be around 900+ miles, ending in the Black Hills area for about 3 weeks.  I hadn't pre-planned or booked anything in advance because we were undecided on if we would do it in 2 days and boondock or maybe split it up and use a couple campgrounds.

After determining my exact route my next resource I turn to was RVParky.  It is so fast and simple to type in the area you are looking for a spot to camp.  It shows me everything, even Walmarts, Cabelas, Cracker Barrels, Rest Areas, all campgrounds, etc.  By using the app I was able to pretty much narrow down where I wanted to stay and then start making the calls.   EasyPeasy.

If you route near to Chadron, NE you should spend at least a night at Chadron State Park, which is one of the most intact of the Indian war ear forts.

Edited June 16 by Kirk W

  On 6/15/2019 at 10:34 PM, FL-JOE said:

Makes sense, I suspect it is a popular free app for most.

We have a run coming up in a week or so that will be around 900+ miles, ending in the Black Hills area for about 3 weeks.  I hadn't pre-planned or booked anything in advance because we were undecided on if we would do it in 2 days and boondock or maybe split it up and use a couple campgrounds.

After determining my exact route my next resource I turn to was RVParky.  It is so fast and simple to type in the area you are looking for a spot to camp.  It shows me everything, even Walmarts, Cabelas, Cracker Barrels, Rest Areas, all campgrounds, etc.  By using the app I was able to pretty much narrow down where I wanted to stay and then start making the calls.   EasyPeasy.

Enjoy!  We love that area but last time we were their we had kiddies at home and tent camped.  Was a very fun trip!  I put this app on my iphone, seems pretty good.  Have not traveled using it yet but it shows most campgrounds, etc.  I looked at the route we take from ND to WA, looks like a lot of choices.  I think it will be easier than stopping, loading up laptop and messing with different web-pages.  It shows locations and will load up that website if they have one.  I like the option it has for calling the campground from the app also.

Have a great trip!

Edited June 16 by NDBirdman

  On 6/16/2019 at 12:55 AM, Kirk W said:

If you route near to Chadron, NE you should spend at least a night at Chadron State Park, which is one of the most intact of the Indian war ear forts.

That is not Chadron State Park. I suspect you are thinking of Fort Robinson State Park. Fort Robinson started in the Indian Wars in the 1870's and was in continuous use through the end of WWII.

  On 6/16/2019 at 8:22 PM, Chalkie said:

I suspect you are thinking of Fort Robinson State Park.

You are correct! Chadron state park is also a nice park with many campsites, but Ft. Robinson is the one that I should have linked to. Thanks!