Confirm Your Reservations

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) on Campsite reservations and the importance of confirming your reservation before you arrive.

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Imagine this: You've reached your campground or off-road location and are excited to get setup and begin your relaxing getaway. But picture it: As you begin to check-in with the front-desk, the inform you that you either don't have a reservation, your reservation is incorrect such as the fact that you asked for a pull-thru and they are giving you a back-in, or possibly that you asked for a premium site and they have downgraded you. Either way, now the burden is on you to determine what steps to take next.

Solution: It is always good to confirm your reservation before you arrive at your destination. This can help to reduce any confusion on the day of your arrival.

Other things to consider are the following when making reservations at campsites and other travel locations:

1. Ask for a reservation confirmation number and an emailed receipt. The information contained should have all of the confirmed relevant details regarding your stay such as the check-in and check-out dates, type of site and associated costs.

2. Ask for remedies or discounts if your reservation is incorrect. In some cases, campsites do post rules that they have the right to change your site location and possibly site type. When this occurs, don't be afraid to ask for discounts or other remedies from the campsite, especially if you have prepaid or provided a deposit.

3. If possible, review the website of the campsite. This will usually have information on the following:

   • Deposits: Some campsites require a deposit when you make your reservation. If you cancel, check their cancellation policy as you may be able to collect a full refund of your deposit. However, most will NOT return the deposit if you are cancelling either the day before of day of your arrival.

   • Check-in and check-out times

   • Late check-in policy. This is VERY important because many campsites reserve the right to change your reservation if you do not arrive before their offices close or within a certain timeframe. (Example: The campsite may have a policy that states that they are able to give your site away to another traveler if you have not checked-in by a certain time. Very similar to hotels or airlines.)

   • After-hours check-in: Many campsites will call you and confirm that you are still planning to arrive (they are aware that travel schedules can fluctuate). If you're going to arrive after hours, they usually have a board outside their office where your reservation information is located so you can find your site.

   • Types of campsites at that location

   • Facilities are your site (power, water, sewer)

   • Cancellation policy

   • Address information (some with driving instructions)

   • Local attractions

   • Parking

   • Laundry facilities

   • Garbage facilities

   • Other site policies (noise, security)

If the campsite does not have a website, they may provide answers to all of the questions above when you check-in, but by then it's normally too late. If you have to call to make a reservation, it's good to have a checklist containing the items above and any other questions you might have of the campsite before booking.

If you have a receipt/confirmation email from the campsite and when you arrive the site is different than you requested, don't be afraid to ask why. We generally recommend that when you are traveling it is best to have backup plans or campsites in mind if things aren't what you expected.

For more information on this blog posting or product recommendations, you can reply back to this posting or send your questions to therealrvblog@konvrgence.com.