Walk up camping can be a great option for campers who prefer the flexibility of not having to make a reservation ahead of time. In this type of camping, sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and can be taken by anyone who shows up in person. However, not all campgrounds or national parks offer walk up camping, so it’s important to do your research beforehand to ensure that this option is available to you.
If you’re looking to score the perfect walk up camping site, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. From arriving at the right time to knowing which types of sites are more likely to be available, these tips can help you make the most of your walk up camping experience.
In this article, we’ll provide 12 practical and informative tips to help you successfully navigate the world of walk up camping, so that you can enjoy your next outdoor adventure with ease and confidence.
What is Walk Up Camping?
Walk up camping, which is a type of first-come first-serve campsite availability done without making a reservation, may not be available at all campgrounds or national parks, as noted in the pre-existing knowledge. It is important to research and check ahead of time if your desired camping area offers walk up camping.
It is also important to note that walk in camping, where you physically walk to and carry your gear to your site, may be available when all the drive-up sites are taken.
When participating in walk up camping, it is important to be flexible and willing to take a less than perfect site. Tents are more likely to get a site because they require a smaller site, and showing up early in the day can increase your chances of getting a walk up site. Additionally, camping mid-week and choosing campgrounds farther from cities or large centers may also increase your chances of finding available walk up sites.
Availability and Types
The availability and types of campsites vary depending on the campground or national park, with some offering the option of first-come first-serve walk-in sites when all drive-up sites are taken. Walk up camping may not be available at the area you want to camp at, so it’s important to research the availability before arriving.
Walk-in camping requires physically walking to and carrying your gear to your site, which may be a challenge for some campers. It’s worth noting that not all campgrounds or national parks offer walk-up camping, so it’s essential to check availability before planning your trip.
Cancellation reservations and walk-up camping are two types of first-come, first-serve campsite availability options. With cancellation reservations, campers can reserve a spot in advance, but if they cancel, the spot becomes available to walk-up campers.
It’s important to note that walk-up camping is not always a guarantee, so it’s essential to have a backup plan in case all spots are taken. In summary, researching the availability of walk-up camping before your trip, and having a backup plan for other campgrounds or types of reservations, can help you score a great campsite.
Tips for Success
To increase the chances of obtaining a desirable campsite while utilizing first-come, first-serve walk-in options, there are certain strategies that can be employed.
First, arrive early to beat the rush and secure any available sites. The best time for securing a walk-in campsite is early in the day, especially during the low or off-season.
Second, be flexible and willing to take a less than perfect site. Tenters are more likely to get a site because they require a smaller site, and mid-week camping may increase your chances of getting a site.
Third, have a few campgrounds lined up in case your first choice doesn’t have any walk up camping availability. If you don’t take the site they offer, someone else might book it in the meantime.
Another way to increase the chances of getting a great walk-in campsite is to go farther from the city or large center. The farther you are, the more likely you’ll get a walk-in site.
Additionally, by practicing good camping etiquette and respecting other campers, you may be able to get insider tips from other campers who are leaving and secure their spot.
Walk up camping is a great choice for spontaneous and flexible campers, but it is important to remember that not all campgrounds or national parks offer this option. With these tips in mind, however, you can increase your chances of scoring the perfect campsite while utilizing walk up camping.