@wanderwithjanelife: As a camp host, I’ve watched too many reserved campsites sit empty while other campers were searching for a place to stay. I recently received an email from Recreation.gov asking me to cancel reservations I can’t use. It’s a small but hopeful step.
I have shown up to my reserved site late after a long drive several times this summer to find someone else already parked there because they assumed no one would show up
2026-09-20 14:06:15
484
bobsmitjb :
Make free cancellations and refunds, otherwise I’m not letting someone else use it
2026-09-23 19:10:53
0
notyomamasyoga1 :
If they paid for it- calm down
2026-09-20 11:06:03
37
Kaylaaaa :
It’s definitely a problem! In the other hand it’s hard when you only want one night but are forced at some places to book a 2 night minimum.
2026-09-19 18:51:06
457
Kpalm :
If it’s paid, who cares?
2026-09-19 16:59:59
163
akdrbifmakkbg :
I don’t get why it’s a problem if they paid, it’s not like a resort where you will make money on food and drinks and stuff
2026-09-20 02:03:17
94
mzp :
It’s a good step and should carry extra fees for no-show. There are people who need the spot otherwise.
2026-09-19 17:18:19
69
Little Edgey :
if it's paid for then it's not available
2026-09-19 15:47:53
30
Aaron C Detrick :
first time you get a warning. second time you get a fine or no refund. third time your banned from making reservations.
2026-09-19 20:37:37
38
Brittney Cora Graves :
Offff I rent a campsite for us to use during the day. It backs up to the lake and has electric/ water we can cook on the fire ring. But it’s 100 degrees outside so we don’t stay the night…but I pay for the entire night. We used it for what we needed then left after cleaning. I can’t imagine why that’s a problem.
2026-09-19 19:50:11
6
Brad Allen :
Sometimes I pay for night before so I can do an early check in. And hang out longer for the day. And like others said a lot of camp grounds require 2 nights for reservations
2026-09-20 14:20:24
9
J :
I mean, if I have to reserve it in February and I don’t know what the weather is gonna be like that specific weekend in June…that is a problem
2026-09-22 13:10:04
1
Ryan :
its so infuriating to see so many empty reserved sites. if you're not gonna show up, cancel so someone else can have it.
2026-09-19 20:29:51
11
Squidlin :
there should be an additional fee for no shows per day booked ( like an additional $20 per day) and if you dont show up on day 1 of the whole booking is formatted its all up for grabs for "walk ins"
2026-09-19 19:31:43
5
Chuck Hicklin :
You do get a refund lots of places. Maybe not the whole amount but something. It’s also considerate of others who might want to camp. But based on many comments here people just don’t think it’s worth it to think of others.
2026-09-19 21:43:00
7
Ack :
It’s only a problem because they want the double fees. They don’t refund if cancelled so late. So the next person pays and they now have collected double payments
2026-09-21 12:30:38
7
chopper :
reserved spots are paid spots .
2026-09-19 17:37:44
14
papafixit :
most places won't give a refund if you cancel late or within 30 day of your stay
2026-09-19 18:41:27
9
Mush :
well I have to reserve it like 6 months in advance and then a week out I no longer get a refund. I got super sick this summer and thought I could make it to each one but it took a long time to get better. life gets in the way sometimes
2026-09-20 12:41:02
8
mzp :
“Managing no-shows in public resource allocation: the economics of campground reservations” UC Boulder. Low prices and weak no-show incentives are at odds with the scarce capacity and mission of our parks to get people outdoors. Policies should fill open spots.
2026-09-23 21:12:14
1
Dory :
It’s the mega - pre-planners that want to hold a spot and the heck with anyone else The camp rules should include a dead line time of day and if not on site it’s forfeited
2026-09-19 19:55:26
0
Julie :
If they paid for it can’t they do what they want with the spot
2026-09-20 14:25:21
4
User563355 :
I think Rec.gov should be charging 100$ no show fees to people who fail to cancel within 24 hours of the reservation.
2026-09-21 18:01:23
2
CanoeBuild :
Even better is seeing a row of Teslas at all of the best sites. The bots are a problem.
2026-09-21 15:55:45
2
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