When sites are reserveable in a national forest/grassland campground, there is the ongoing controversy as to whether all or some of them should be reserveable under the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). This pole attempts to address the issue.

As of January 22, 2011, we re-opened the poll. Please vote.

I would say that the number of reservable sites should be no more than 50% since it is nice to have some flexability moving from spot to spot if desired

I would vote for 40 to 50% open. Sometimes I plan ahead but when traveling I rarely know in the morning where I am going to end up that night, and would like options.

I feel there should be no more than 20% of the sites be made available for reservations. While I understand there are cases where reservations are best, it is my experience the sites that are available to be reserved are booked out as far as allowed, and for the most part the week-ends are the only days reserved. The complaints you normally hear in reference to non-reservation sites is the locals living nearby get to the parks first thereby eliminating the long distance traveler or the individual because of work can not get to the park until late on Friday night. Well the reality is more times than not it is locals living in the near area who are reserving the week-end sites. I have even attempted to use the reservation system to reserve a four to six nights only to find the week-ends are blocked out. I have learned when I want to get a site at a particular campground known to be popular I do what it takes to make it happen even if it means taking a Friday off from work to get there before all sites are taken. When it’s all said and done I believe the FS loses in the end because the individual who wanted to stay a week is unable to secure the site for the week-end so moves on to another campground. Normally during the week there is no need for reservations. I personally would much rather take my chances in making the necessary arrangements to get to the park for an available site, than to have to resort to making reservations months in advance on a week-end so as to asure a site. Just my 2cents

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This will be debated for a long time. I think the percentage of reservable sites should be determined when you look at whats going on at the CG. Destination, on the way, etc. Some of the issues addressed above require a "strategy" for a particular trip. When searching a CG on the web, It has been very useful when the CG description indicates "busy times" of the week or season. That information aids in whether or not to make the reservation

While I voted "yes," I actually think 40% first come, first served sites is way too low. I think it should be AT LEAST 50%.

We've been in campgrounds where the locals snap up all the reservations for the entire season and then the site sits empty. IMO, if the person who made the reservation doesn't show up by a certain time on the day the reservation is good for, that site should go to someone else.

I am disappointed with the reservation system at favorite campgrounds. Some only have 3 sites available , and yet the reservable sites sit empty.. But the host said they are for one night only, to " take the chance" no one will reserve..... Should be at least 50% first come first served..