I’m not particularly astute at the Reservations Game as I started camping with my AS here in Oregon seven years ago. At that time many areas that I liked (one 20 minutes from my house on the idyllic Metolius River) were no reservation walk-up. Now many of the good ones are on a reservation system. And the fabulous and large Oregon State Park system usually had many options. Well...
The dealership where I store Nellie sold 100+ units last month. Our Cascade high lakes jammed with SUPs, kayakers and canoeists look like they might be somewhere in China. The only wildlife are the beer drinkers. The Oregon Coast is a favorite destination of Vicki and I and is lined with great state parks. But you need to be at your computer when the reservation window opens. And we love impromptu.
Well, we’re all aware of this, right? So we gotta play the Reservation Game unless we want to go boon-docking (fortunately still a lot of that available in my great state).
Here’s one that I’ve recently learned. I might be late to the party as usual but I’ve been surprised at how well it’s working.
RESERVATION GAME TIP
Scan reservation sites frequently for last minute cancellations.
I have my own business and can do a lot of work away from home so I’m fortunate to have a lot of freedom to dance the impromptu. A couple of weeks ago we were at the Coast and wanted to extend our stay. I’ve always wanted to stay at Harris Beach SP in Brookings down on the California border but it’s probably the most popular beach park in Oregon. And the rarest of the rare - theres one row of sites on a ridge over looking the spectacular beach.
On a whim I checked there - and one of the ridge sites was available for three nights. Obviously a last minute cancellation!! While we were there a fellow Airstreamer came over and commented that I must have booked that site early. He was astounded when I told him I had booked it two days before.
I scored again today. We’re heading to the Coast again on the 30th (Bandon) but we wanted a few days between now and then so I checked South Beach SP in Newport, another very popular park. To my surprise, in the middle of all the one day openings, a site popped up available for four nights starting this Sunday.
Perhaps it’s the current climate of uncertainty, but it’s been possible to find last minute cancellations.
What’s your Reservation Game tip? Come on, we’re insiders here, we won’t tell anyone.
Cheers,
John
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