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dlfphoto · 07-28-2020, 01:36 PM

Ok. So I found an awesome State Park campground in SC for a stopover on our journey from SoFL to the Smokies next week. We only need one night, but there is a two night minimum stay.

My first inclination was to book for two nights starting on our arrival day and just leave a day early. The cost is minimal. But, there is an amazing waterfront pull-though site available the day prior to our planned arrival, with check-out on our actual departure day.

I have no issue paying the extra $24 for the unused night, but will my reservation be cancelled if I show up 24 hours late, and be counted as a no-show?

OTRA15 · 07-28-2020, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlfphoto

. . .
. . . will my reservation be cancelled if I show up 24 hours late, and be counted as a no-show?

Yes, probably. Have you called them in order to speak to a live human being at the park? The local on-site park rangers are usually very helpful IMO.

Have a great trip.

brick1 · 07-28-2020, 03:48 PM

It will likely be cancelled as a “no-show”

KelloggKid · 07-28-2020, 05:40 PM

Most parks have a stated checkin time of around 1 to 2 pm and if you aren't there within 24 hours they cancel your reservation. However if you are only say 22 hours late you should be good so why not show up on the day you planned only maybe a little earlier in the day.

OTRA15 · 07-28-2020, 06:13 PM

Not so sure all the old rules are still in place, in light of all the Covid-19 changes. Definitely worth further research and a phone call to the specific CG in question IMO.

Our local county park is not answering the phone, and the website says there are no walk-in sites available.

StreamNTyme · 07-28-2020, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlfphoto

Ok. So I found an awesome State Park campground in SC for a stopover on our journey from SoFL to the Smokies next week. We only need one night, but there is a two night minimum stay.

My first inclination was to book for two nights starting on our arrival day and just leave a day early. The cost is minimal. But, there is an amazing waterfront pull-though site available the day prior to our planned arrival, with check-out on our actual departure day.

I have no issue paying the extra $24 for the unused night, but will my reservation be cancelled if I show up 24 hours late, and be counted as a no-show?

Check the reservations, if there are openings when yo u want to be there, you can get a one night stay. You can call to confirm availability or just show up. Yes, thank you...we do have wonderful state parks in SC

Margerelli · 07-29-2020, 09:52 AM

I would contact the State Park reservation call center. If they are anything like the S.P. staff in Missouri, they will be very helpful. We love staying in State Parks, even the ones near home!

AFTER TAXES · 07-29-2020, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlfphoto

Ok. So I found an awesome State Park campground in SC for a stopover on our journey from SoFL to the Smokies next week. We only need one night, but there is a two night minimum stay.

My first inclination was to book for two nights starting on our arrival day and just leave a day early. The cost is minimal. But, there is an amazing waterfront pull-though site available the day prior to our planned arrival, with check-out on our actual departure day.

I have no issue paying the extra $24 for the unused night, but will my reservation be cancelled if I show up 24 hours late, and be counted as a no-show?

stay two.....enjoy the waterfront

BigSxyWhtGuy · 07-29-2020, 10:37 AM

+1

Why not just stay two days? One day camp sights suck. If we pay, we do three days minimum.

lkm4321 · 07-29-2020, 11:44 AM

All parks are differant, Seems to me though, If you reserved and paid in advance online, the site is yours even if you don't show up. If they marked you as a noshow, you would be entitled to a refund. Safest bet, call the park and let them know you will be a day late.

John&Vicki · 07-29-2020, 12:47 PM

The way it works in Oregon State Parks is that you have until 1:00pm on Day 2 to show up. If you don’t show by then the rest of the reservation is canceled.

GammaDog · 07-29-2020, 01:04 PM

If I’m in transit and only need one night but have to book two (minimum) I do it. If possible, I book the night I want and the next night. I either just leave early or ask for a refund... most often I just leave. However, if the spot I want is only avail the night before I want I book it that way. Then, on the day I am supposed to check in, I call the campground and tell them I’ve been delayed but still plan to use the second night of my two night reservation. I’ve never been refused.

TinCan Aggie · 07-29-2020, 09:47 PM

I might be able to see into your future that you could have a slight mechanical issue that delays your normal arrival promptness! One could tighten their lug nuts to accomplish such a foretelling and still maintain truthfulness.

Just a thought.

I know that I have been late on a few occasions for such happenings that actually occurred.

B

hddeering · 07-30-2020, 07:25 AM

We called to cancel a one night reservation at a NM state park CG so someone else could use the site and was charged 1.00 to cancel. I don't think that will happen again.

OTRA15 · 07-30-2020, 10:11 AM

For the cost of a dollar, you are unwilling to give a gift to a fellow camper, who may really need it?

Captn.Ken · 07-30-2020, 06:45 PM

I live in coastal NC and my parents are buried in GA. I love Huntington Beach SP (as a layover) but hate the two night requirement. I haven't tried to get around it. I just live with it and enjoy our stay there.

patriciaphal · 08-05-2020, 11:40 AM

If it is a two night stay in a SC State Park, it is because it is a very popular park. I would make my reservation for the day I plan to arrive and the next night. You may find you want to stay! You can call the park itself and ask about one night, but I doubt they will change their requirement.

pat morley · 08-05-2020, 01:01 PM

If it’s Santee, we stay there regularly, sometimes missing the first night, sometimes missing the second night. If we arrive on the second day we always call to let them know we’re still coming. Very cooperative.

Overstreet · 08-05-2020, 02:51 PM

Note most parks tell you if you come in after office closing time call them up and tell them you'll be late and they will give you the gate code. Some times things just get behind and late.................. is real late.

Scott S · 08-05-2020, 04:26 PM

I HATE it when state/local parks require a 2 nights stay for reservations on a weekend. While no doubt some places fill up, my experience has been that many of these places do not! I just grin and bear it and pay for 2 nights. They are usually worth it! My suggestion is to make the reservation to start for the day you plan to be there. That way if you want to stay a second night you can, or if for some reason you are delayed you still have a place to stay. My experience is that if you paid for the site, they will not give it out to someone else, so if you arrive on the 2nd day you should still have your site waiting for you.