Yes, I know it is only March and that winter has not yet played her last tune. The trees are still bare and the RV may still be winterized. However, spring is just around the corner -- honest! -- and the parks and campgrounds seem to be getting more crowded each year.
If you show up at many of the more popular campgrounds without reservations, you are going to be a very disappointed camper! True, a lot of public parks run on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you are working within a limited time frame and wish to camp in a particular park or area (that accepts reservations), you had better get a crackin'. Many places accept reservations up to ten months in advance!
North American National Park Reservations
Today I could have made reservations in Sequoia National Park through July 4th. That's over four months in advance. The parks have gotten so busy that campers need to make early reservations just to get a campsite! The National Park Reservation Service now offers online reservations with a Visa or MasterCard. You can also get them by calling 1-800-365-2267 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.
For Canadian National Parks, call 1-800-213-PARK (7275) between 7 a.m. and midnight AST. As of now, you can make reservations only at Kouchibouguac, Fundy and Prince Edward Island National Parks online through Parks Canada. Both the U.S. and Canada charge a small fee for the service. If you prefer spontaneity on your camping trips, you might find yourself camping in a Wal-Mart parking lot! Please get reservations.
U.S. National Forest Reservations
The U.S. National Forest Service and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers provide online campground reservations also. These are handled by The National Recreation Reservation Service (a private contractor) and can be made up to 240 days ahead (group camping as much as 360 days in advance). If you prefer the telephone, call 1-877-444-6777 (518-885-3639 for international calls).
State and Provincial Parks Reservations
State and Canadian Provincial Parks are a completely different ball of wax. Through their official web sites most states and provinces - but not all - offer reservations for their parks and campgrounds. Your best bet is to access the web site of the particular state or province you are interested in, then check out their reservation procedures. State Parks On Line is an excellent web site that has a comprehensive listing for all 50 states and the Canadian Provinces. The site is easy to use and regularly updated.
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