Florida State Park New Reservation System

bcramer · 03-15-2022, 08:01 AM

Background:
I did okay with the old system. It was one click at 08:00:00.0. If you were early, it told you. If you were late, it told you. If you were lucky, the site was locked in for you. The new site doesn't work that way. It requires three clicks: one at 08:00:00.0, one on the new green box, and one on the reserve site button. Even if you time it right, the problem is that the sites are all gone before you can click on the green box. I figure it is either very fast kids with high-end gaming systems, or bots. (Am I missing something?)
My Best Guess:
Since the campgrounds aren't full of kids on computers, I figure whoever is reserving these sites is providing a "service" for other people. I am willing to pay these people for this "service". My problem is I can't find them.
My ask:
If anyone is willing to share the contact information for their "service"? I would be very grateful. You can send me a PM here.

**Iwritecode** · 03-15-2022, 08:28 AM

We already have a whole on-going thread about people having trouble getting reservations in state parks.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...es-247169.html

From what I've read, it's illegal to re-sell them. So you simply have to keep checking back to see if anything opens up later when someone cancels.

bcramer · 03-15-2022, 08:33 AM

They don't all resell. Some use you information and make the reservation for you. It's not against the rules, but requires a lot of trust.

SeaDog · 03-15-2022, 09:12 AM

Its a big mistake to give the information required to make a reservation to anyone other then the park system. JMHO

LivingToCamp · 03-15-2022, 10:34 AM

I really don't like the new system either, it is too slow. It's even worse trying to do it on the c-phone so I normally use the lap top.
But I haven't had an issue with obtaining sites.
I have 6 camping trips planned for this year, each 6 to 10 days. I booked last year for this year and was able to get our favorite campgrounds and our favorite campsites.
We mainly camp during the week, not weekend. Though I do have one trip that is 10 days, coming in on Weds, leaving the following Sat.
With all the new RVs sold last couple years, it's near impossible to get a site at the last minute.
Book in advance is easier.

Life Without Whine · 03-17-2022, 08:25 AM

the way some of those systems seem to be working involve making the reservation then arranging to cancel in the middle of a planned night so it comes back into inventory & then is grabbed by the individual wanting the site. That has been going on a LONG time and explains why so many oversees campers are able to camp our best FL state parks...
If you are a FL resident join the catch & release page on FB as we try to get into our own state parks .... sure hoping the higher prices at the pump start to free up some of our state park sites during snowbird season

dave961 · 03-17-2022, 09:01 AM

Your ability to reserve is based on your first day of arrival (6 months out). If they are immediately gone, it is likely they were already reserved by people arriving day(s) ahead of you. Since the RV boom the last 2 years, sites here have become increasingly difficult to get. Anything in the keys or on the water is even tougher. Inland, in the blazing hot summer, it is more likely but less fun.

oldcomputerwiz · 03-17-2022, 09:47 AM

I was just at this again this morning. Had 4 possible sites picked out at a state campground. 3 devices set up to do this. Couldn't get any. Tried yesterday too but with only using one device. What was odd was that on one loop, there were 5 sites available (all starting on Friday) and all 5 ended up only being reserved for 1 night. What are the odds?

The other sites I was actually looking at appear to be grabbed by snowbirds as they were all 14 day reservations when reserved.

I would like to see the state open up the state park reservations to Florida residents first. Even one week would be nice. Heck, I could work with 1 hour. Then we could actually use our own parks. You know there is a problem when the site has to display a countdown timer because of the insane competition for the limited number of sites.

Just my opinion which means nothing to anyone but me....

t.simpson · 03-22-2022, 09:06 AM

Computerwiz - I feel your pain! When we lived in FL, we had a 14000 acre state park about a mile away. We used to walk to it! We could never get a camp site and we were tent campers at the time! Very frustrating to live so close and not be able to use it.

Life Without Whine · 03-23-2022, 04:05 PM

Just a thought here to help us FL campers... maybe the state parks should open up reservations only 2 months in advance (or pick another random small number). I know with competition from snowbirds I have to jump on & grab a site for 14 days 11 months in advance & then trim it down when our vacation is actually approved. If all the state parks were short windowed on opening it may actually open up for many of us.....

dalford · 03-23-2022, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave961

Your ability to reserve is based on your first day of arrival (6 months out). If they are immediately gone, it is likely they were already reserved by people arriving day(s) ahead of you. Since the RV boom the last 2 years, sites here have become increasingly difficult to get. Anything in the keys or on the water is even tougher. Inland, in the blazing hot summer, it is more likely but less fun.

Is it 6 months out now? Used to be 11 months in advance.. which is it?

bcramer · 03-23-2022, 07:13 PM

11 months.

sherman12 · 04-01-2022, 11:28 AM

If there isn't already a system out there re-booking hard to get campground reservations, like concert tickets already, I wouldn't doubt soon you'll see advertisements for services like StubHub and such for the camping community. So when you click on your favorite RV Forum, newsletter, and RV product search, you'll see a pop-up ad for CampHub (if you use my idea I want a piece!) to book your hard to get hot spot reservation.

Reverse_snowbird · 04-01-2022, 11:50 AM

Many states are raising their fees for non residents or starting to charge more for non residents.
That makes sense to me. People who live in a state are already paying taxes in that state and they should be given priority. Does it make a wanderer like me happy? No, but I understand it.
With online reservations, you can reserve from anywhere and the Florida cancellation fee doesn't discourage people might not use the site.

Rhumblefish · 04-01-2022, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalford

Is it 6 months out now? Used to be 11 months in advance.. which is it?

Florida is 11 months. Different by state.

**Iwritecode** · 04-01-2022, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherman12

If there isn't already a system out there re-booking hard to get campground reservations, like concert tickets already, I wouldn't doubt soon you'll see advertisements for services like StubHub and such for the camping community. So when you click on your favorite RV Forum, newsletter, and RV product search, you'll see a pop-up ad for CampHub (if you use my idea I want a piece!) to book your hard to get hot spot reservation.

I brought that up in another thread. People didn't seem to like the idea but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens one day.

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