It really isn't that bad considering how nice the Florida State Parks are. 11 months ahead of time, you can tell from the RA website what days which sites will open up, and you can be ready at exactly 8:00 AM to click the reserve button and take your chance to be the one that wins the raffle that day. Most days you miss, but we have always been able to piece together a nice stay even during peak periods. We have also been fortunate at picking up odd days here and there as time gets closer and other people cancel.
I really like the RA website. It lets you sort possible sites by size, and usually by location in the campground, and usually has several photos of each site so you can get idea what you are in for.
For us, under $40 for a waterfront site in the Keys in February is worth a little planning and aggravation.
Bill & Kate - Stone Harbor, NJ
w/ Sunny (parti poodle) & Molson (goldendoodle)
2005 Ford/Quigley 4x4 E-350 Chateau Super Duty Van with 6.0L PSD ("Moby")
2012 Outback Super Light 277RL - 10th Anniversary Edition ("Salty Dog House II")
I have no issues with RA and love the convenience of picking my site ahead of time in addition to having specific site info and more and more a picture of the site as well.
Don't get me wrong; I detest RA. Fact of life with FL State Parks. The FSPs have site equipment length. Other states don't? Can't blame that on RA.
To clarify, yes you can drive up to a Florida State Park and book a site without using RA. And you can extend a stay at the office if they a space without RA.
But to my experience they cannot and will not reserve for a different park or book a future arrival for their park in person. You have to go thru RA.
As an aside, I knew the manager of Gamble Rogers SP. He said they went to dang near 100% occupancy after RA cut in.
Big Katuna wrote: Don't get me wrong; I detest RA. Fact of life with FL State Parks. The FSPs have site equipment length. Other states don't? Can't blame that on RA.
To clarify, yes you can drive up to a Florida State Park and book a site without using RA. And you can extend a stay at the office if they a space without RA.
But to my experience they cannot and will not reserve for a different park or book a future arrival for their park in person. You have to go thru RA.
As an aside, I knew the manager of Gamble Rogers SP. He said they went to dang near 100% occupancy after RA cut in.
You are correct, the only thing they can do at the park is book you a non reservable site unless the reserved site you are on is not reserved for the upcoming day, then they can extend your stay day by day only for days that site is not reserved. You cannot make future reservations on site at a FSP. It is strictly telephone or internet.
Bill & Kate wrote: It really isn't that bad considering how nice the Florida State Parks are. 11 months ahead of time, you can tell from the RA website what days which sites will open up, and you can be ready at exactly 8:00 AM to click the reserve button and take your chance to be the one that wins the raffle that day. Most days you miss, but we have always been able to piece together a nice stay even during peak periods. We have also been fortunate at picking up odd days here and there as time gets closer and other people cancel.
I really like the RA website. It lets you sort possible sites by size, and usually by location in the campground, and usually has several photos of each site so you can get idea what you are in for.
For us, under $40 for a waterfront site in the Keys in February is worth a little planning and aggravation.
racedaymechanic wrote: We got reservations at Long Key SP for Dec 1 to Dec 14 on RA there are still some left I think
You'll love it.
I worked in the travel business and the first two weeks of December are often less-booked and open. You can get great deals on Caribbean resorts and cruises those two weeks, for example. I guess many people stay home early and mid-December for holiday festivities leading up to Christmas and New Years.
racedaymechanic wrote: We got reservations at Long Key SP for Dec 1 to Dec 14 on RA there are still some left I think
Unfortunately, we can't leave Indiana until after spending most of Christmas Day with family. Our reservations cannot be until Dec 27 at the earliest. Would be nice to get some of those days earlier in the month.
Will continue to try. After our desired dates we will watch for cancellations.
May have to check out some private campgrounds.
racedaymechanic wrote: We got reservations at Long Key SP for Dec 1 to Dec 14 on RA there are still some left I think
Unfortunately, we can't leave Indiana until after spending most of Christmas Day with family. Our reservations cannot be until Dec 27 at the earliest. Would be nice to get some of those days earlier in the month.
Will continue to try. After our desired dates we will watch for cancellations.
May have to check out some private campgrounds.
Most likely you will be able to find an opening in a private park for that time period, but be ready for "Sticker shock!"
Camping Rig:
2005 Dodge 3500 - Dually- Cummins
2006 Outback 27 RSDS
We also have with us two "fur babies". A Basset Hound and a Chihuahua mix. Both are rescue dogs.
I did it!!
After trying for a solid week, we were the lucky ones this morning. Reserved a site at Long Key!
Just have to have a little patience. Watch the clock and click at the last second. Luck of the draw is all it is.
Now we can rest easy and plan the rest of the vacation around this reservation.
Sticker shock is why we always try for the state parks first. Lots cheaper, but of course, since you pay when you reserve, Reserve America has our money all year too.
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