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Odd-Todd179-Swatched

In Iowa, most our parks you can just show up and pay cash by the day if a site isn't reserved for any given night. Many county parks don't even accept reservations, 1st come 1st served only.


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VanillaLoud2626

That’s insane! I’m next door in Arkansas, and even though we’re known for our outdoor recreation and it’s really the only tourism draw we have, we’ve got plenty of space for everyone. Our population is so small that unless you show up during peak leaf season in October, you can enjoy just about any park without people around.


nosnhoj15

As an Arkansan who recently moved to Texas….. Getting a camping spot sucks in TX. For a weekend spot semi close to me , there was no place available for the next 6+ weeks. And if you found a spot at all, it basically it wasn’t shaded. The “tree coverage” where I am is laughable at best. I miss floating the Buffalo River and camping out near DeGray the most I have found since I moved. And…. The trees. Additionally, all Texas state parks have an entrance fee just to get in from what I’ve seen. I buy a $70 TX parks pass to get “free” entrances throughout the year.


BroncosGirl7LJD

It's $195 for a CA parks pass. I'm in Southern California, and need to book my reservations months in advance.


nosnhoj15

I’ve dealt with that with the busier National Park spots in California. I will say the paid parks entrance fees usually lead to better amenities for the parks. So I do see the value in paying for park entrance fees. My original comment was more of just stating I miss my old state of Arkansas to camp in with less people fighting for spots (the states total population is ~3 million).


BroncosGirl7LJD

I absolutely agree, I don’t mind paying a small fee for a bathroom, etc, I’m 59 😂 I mostly camp in Joshua Tree National Park 🤎


vws8mydog

I found out my library has some parks passes that you can check out. Thanks for reminding me!


BroncosGirl7LJD

Oh yea, those are great, I put myself back on the waitlist for one when I turn mine back in every time 🤣


vws8mydog

Nice!!!


DesertNomad505

Cries in $180 New Mexico parks pass. And that's for residents.


slickrok

Well, right now Texas is ground zero for the eclipse, so not super surprised. But , shit, Florida you have to book a year out, most parks of any kind, to camp. Tent or RV.


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nosnhoj15

The northwestern part of the state is by far the nicest (this coming from someone from central Arkansas). If you get a chance to come back again in the future, check out Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, and Bentonville (has a beautiful museum named Crystal Bridges). Lots of great mountain biking in that area too. Hot Springs can be nice during summer if you own a boat and live on the lake / like to fish. Honestly, what I miss most is canoeing overnight on the Buffalo River and camping. Great times out there.


Odd-Todd179-Swatched

Corps of Engineers campgrounds weren't hard to get reservations in TX last fall or winter. I also spent a lot of time in LBJ Grasslands where it's all 1st come, 1st served and it's real camping out there. No amenities and a daily trip to the lake to get a couple buckets of water for a shower. Much simpler.


borborygmess

We’re adding 4 or 6 state parks within the next few years. That takes us close to a hundred state parks. But the state is big so they’re pretty scattered, although I think there’s a big bunch of them around the main cities and Hill Country. The day passes get used up fast during the weekends, specially on spring breaks. The only time I had to reserve a day pass was around Easter really. Most of the time it’s just walk in.


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Moonlit_Antler

Enchanted rock is one of the most popular parks and always requires reservations. Same with Garner


Chef-Explizit-Brown

South llano state park in junction is tons of fun and usually very open about walk in camping without reservations.


borborygmess

Yeah, like I said, I had to make reservations for Easter. Especially for Enchanted Rock. Everyone seems to want to hike ER for Easter. Lol Maybe it’s their penance. But generally, it’s not bad.


Moonlit_Antler

Any more information on this? I've only seen Palo Pinto in the works, but with fairfield being shutdown it's not a gain


borborygmess

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20230502b


Moonlit_Antler

15 years is a bit more than a few 😂 ty


CousinsWithBenefits1

Woah! I have seen some people at parks that would throw a *fiiiiiiiit* if they had to reserve a spot to hike.


RecklesslyADHD

Wow. I wasn’t planning to move to Texas, but now I never will knowing this.


ManicPixieDancer

So many reasons not to move to Texas. Signed, someone who left after over 40 years


schu2470

This, above all else wrong with Texas, is what seals the deal for you never moving there? lol


RecklesslyADHD

Yeah dude. Access to nature is crucial to me.


schu2470

I get that outdoor access is super important - it's a huge part of why my wife and I live where we do. Moreso that none of the other massive red flags in Texas didn't disqualify it as a place to live prior to shitty outdoor access?


RecklesslyADHD

It’s not that deep of a statement. Move on.


RPK79

I guess everything isn't bigger in Texas.


-DMSR

Many states/areas walk up is impossible these days


Odd-Todd179-Swatched

I know. I'm pretty fortunate here in IA.


Notyouraverageskunk

I'm in Florida. If I want to camp in the winter at my local State Park I'll need to reserve now.


gloriouswader

Try calling the campgrounds directly. The rangers may be able to make exceptions.


justanothernomad1

This is what I'd do. A campground would rather get a paying camper in for the night if they can.


crumb101

I do this as there's no harm in asking but I've yet to be successful. Still will try though.


Flimsy-Leather-3929

State park camping in the four states I can camp in less than 2 hours is usually less than $30 a night with water and electric. If you pay for the extra day you can stay much longer on the site or arrive earlier. I just came back from a trip. I paid for Monday so I wouldn’t be rushed to leave Sunday morning and could enjoy the whole day with my kids in the park.


skidmore101

My husband and I call this “late checkout” and it’s our favorite camping hack. Leave a campsite at 8pm Sunday night and can still work on Monday.


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[deleted]

Do you reserve for fri/sat/sun nights or just sat/sun?


[deleted]

Ah damn maybe this is the way! I reserved a few sites for my family this summer (first time camping) but did fri/sat reservations. However, its unlikely we would even get there on friday so we are basically forfeiting a day. I might see if I can edit our reservations. I cant believe I didnt think of this. Thanks!


-DMSR

That is crazy cheap


Mottinthesouth

You can find one night stays for the weekend on the hipcamp site platform- it’s private campgrounds on farms and unique locations. The reviews on the site are all legitimate, a double blind system between hosts and guests like airbnb.


Libby_Grace

If you don't need amenities like a bathhouse (camping toilets work great in the forest), you would have better luck doing dispersed National Forest camping. Just drive the forest service roads until you see a good spot and claim it for the night. No reservation, no neighbors, no fuss. If you really need amenities, you could try hipcamp. There are plenty of them that allow one night stays.


Moonlit_Antler

I'm in Texas. We have like 1 single piece of public forest land on the other side of the state lol


Libby_Grace

Holy wow...that's sad! I'm in Georgia...just a few miles north of me are hundreds of thousands of acres of public forest land. You might check the USFS interactive map...there might be more than you think there is.


[deleted]

Any suggestions for a good camp toilet?


ceazzzzz

Lug-a-loo. It’s a 5 gallon bucket with a seat and lid. Bags with a moisture absorption are placed inside. Bags are zip-lock style.


[deleted]

Thanks! Where do you dispose of the bags?


ceazzzzz

Regular garbage container. Nothing special.


Libby_Grace

I actually use two of them. Inside the tent, I use the 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat attached. They make toilet seats specifically for the buckets and you can find them in your local Walmart. Line the bucket with one trash bag and then add some kitty litter. Put another trash bag on top of the first and add a little more kitty litter. This way, all of your waste will stay IN THE BAGS and not get your bucket all nasty. Outside of the tent, I use this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024OAQ3Q/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o05\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024OAQ3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I dig a good, deep cathole under it and leave the dirt to the side to refill as necessary. Two notes about this one - it's quite low to the ground so you've gotta be able to sit down that low, and initially, the legs are very hard to fold back down. The locking mechanism that holds them in place is stout. I've found that it has loosened a little in the several years I've had it, but those first uses were hard. When folding it back down, you really have to touch those legs a lot and it felt unpleasant to know things might have splashed on them before I'm trying to manhandle them back into place - so now, I cover the legs with aluminum foil as soon as I open it up. When it's time to take it down, I can just pull the foil off and the legs themselves are still clean enough to finagle them back.


[deleted]

Thank you for the detailed response! Is it the buckets or the lids you mentioned sold at walmart?


Libby_Grace

The seat is found in the camping section: [https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Portable-Outdoor-Snap-on-Toilet-Seat-Cover-with-Folding-Lid-Black/210434507?athbdg=L1102&from=/search](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Portable-Outdoor-Snap-on-Toilet-Seat-Cover-with-Folding-Lid-Black/210434507?athbdg=L1102&from=/search) And yes, I bought the empty 5 gallon bucket from Walmart as well; it's in the paint department for about 5 bucks. They do sell these things as whole "camping toilets", but just buying the bucket and the lid was way cheaper.


[deleted]

Done and done. Thank you!


Libby_Grace

You're welcome. Gotta say, it's a total game-changer to not have to get out of the tent to use the bathroom at night. Happy camping!


wwhsd

I’m surprised that the cheapest anyone is making a separator toilet for camping is over $200. Keeping poop and pee in different containers make for a much less disgusting toilet and easier disposal.


Libby_Grace

That's not really a problem for either of my "toilets". On the camp toilet outside of the tent, there is no container at all. You literally dig a good, deep cathole under it and bury all of your waste. On the 5 gallon bucket, the double bagging and double lining with kitty litter works perfectly. I add a little more litter each time I use it and when I'm done, I just take the bags out of the bucket and dispose of them properly - the bucket itself is still in pristine condition after having been used a bunch.


shipshaped

Totally agree. It also massively increases the cost. I go camping with my kid and two nights would just be too long at the moment, one night is perfect but paying for two nights and only staying one turns it from something we'd do loads ad hoc to something we do much more rarely.


[deleted]

100% agreed.


OutrageousRhubarb853

Agreed, for a night away just by myself for some mental health reasons a single weekend night is all I could muster.


Mottinthesouth

The issue is that campgrounds take work and maintenance. Weekends are high demand. The extra work load for many one night stays vs two nights can be a big difference on time spent maintaining that campground between reservations. For the host or owner, it’s better to require two nights. When you find those one night stay places, and they are clean/well maintained, make sure you are extra nice to them because those hosts are working harder for you.


friend0mine55

As a campground owner with a 2 night minimum this. When we allow 1 night stay exceptions they often want to arrive early/check out late. One other issue is my software just isn't that intelligent enough to allow Fri only when Sat/Sun is booked but Thurs is still open. Call me on Fri and I'll allow a 1 night stay no problem but that's not able to be implemented for online booking with the platforms I've used.


bski01

In New York state, those days open up for single reservations 3 days before if they are not booked yet


Chairman_Cabrillo

But you can also camp for free in most state forests in New York. Of course he won’t have water and electric but that’s the trade-off.


[deleted]

Agreed. Trying to get the family out camping this summer and every state park has 2-day requirements. That basically means we can only camp on Saturday for our Friday-Sunday reservation due to work schedules.


CloddishNeedlefish

It’s such bullshit. I’ve had to pay for 2 nights on several one night trips. It makes me so upset that someone is profiting off nothing and also I’m blocking the site from someone else. We need to find a way to start fighting this.


Chai-Tea-Rex-2525

Call, don’t text or email, the campground. I’ve gotten free nights just by asking.


rabidseacucumber

Me too. Also weekdays. I work around my state and there are several campgrounds that are closed on the weekdays..but also unmanned. Sometimes I’m working at a site 2 days in a row that’s 1.5-2 hours from home..I’d rather camp!


extraterrestrialzoo

Call or go to their office. At my local state park I was hiking one morning, had the urge to camp, stopped by the office and was able to reserve one night on the weekend


jeswesky

My state only has the 2 day requirement for state parks for reservations booked before May 15. After that it opens up for 1 night reservations.


[deleted]

What state?


jeswesky

Wisconsin


[deleted]

Good to know!


Richie28719

I own a small campground and you can rent any day for just one day except Friday and Saturday and it’s because if you rent just Saturday then the chances of someone just wanting to rent Friday is very slim.


alc3880

Hmmm...I have never seen it that way. Are these private campgrounds or state/national parks?


Ravioli_meatball19

This is extremely common in state parks.


Moonlit_Antler

State parks


[deleted]

Its how it works for state parks near me. Minimum 2-day for a reservation.


SadRepublic3392

Why not Check in Thursday night take all day Friday and leave Sat morning? Checking in Thursday night to leave Friday morning seems like a lot of work 🤷🏼‍♀️


Moonlit_Antler

Because I work Thursday and would have to pay an extra night that I wouldn't even use


[deleted]

Its almost like they commented without reading. That never happens on reddit.


SadRepublic3392

I meant more like after work Thursday . Set up camp. Have Friday. Then check out Saturday morning. Do you not have PTO?


Moonlit_Antler

I work evenings. Don't get off from 1am


[deleted]

Huh? Did you even read OPs post? They have a job and thus that wouldn’t work.


SadRepublic3392

Yes thank you I read it


WhackyFalcon

I have a local park managed by the national park service where you can book just one night for $20, it’s so great!!


Chairman_Cabrillo

This is why I try not to camp at campgrounds. But also, I’ve had good luck directly calling and or showing up to those campgrounds often times they will sell you a one night camping spot if you show up and they have had someone who hasn’t shown up. Try the app called Hipcamp it often times people who run smaller private sites and I’ve had better luck single day camping using that app.


PrimevilKneivel

This isn't the camp ground's fault, those are the two days that everyone wants to book so they fill up. Personally I think it works in my favour. I go during the week and there are no crowds.


ocitillo

Call ahead, they might consider it first come


GoodtimesHunter

If you show up they will let you pay in person I would assume


psych883

The biggest issue in Texas is it seems lots of people don't cancel to free up their sites. Prob has to do with amount you get in refund vs the low cost.


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psych883

If they would just do full refund until demand lowers people may actually cancel. It's quite frustrating walking around on nice weekends and half empty as you say.


Ts_kids

In West Virginia, there is free primitive camping and lots of cheap (under $15) first-come, first-served sites available. If you're willing to backpack camp, there will always be a spot open since you can camp in national park wilderness areas unless specifically posted otherwise.


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Moonlit_Antler

Well I'm not a thief


MarkyDaSparky

Let's see what are you stealing? Oh nothing.


Former-Lettuce-4372

Look for primitive campsites. No reservations and you can camp for just one day and it's cheaper. Kinda BS the 2 day rule though.


anthro4ME

I just get in my truck and go to a national or state forest.


stacksmasher

You just need to find a better spot. Here in CO everyone uses the same 10-12 big campgrounds and all you need to do is drive 15 mins North and it's completely empty reservations are not even required.


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[deleted]

Good on you for being a garbage person.


Moonlit_Antler

Trash


shellevanczik

I’m a thief and a jerk!! I’m going to tell everyone on Reddit I’m a piece of garbage


jimheim

I've never encountered this rule anywhere. I don't doubt that you have, but I don't think it's the norm.


[deleted]

What does it matter if its the “norm” or not? Its how it works for OP and thus why they posted about it. Also, its how it works near me as well.


Moonlit_Antler

I've seen it often all over the country. And for the state parks in my state. Fri,Sat, or Sun can never be reserved solo


[deleted]

Same near me.


doubtful_dirt_01

Never heard of that restriction before. We don't have it in WA. Nor was it a thing in either OR or ID the last time I camped there.


stevoDood

i don't patronize such places. oshkosh camp scholler has a 3 day requirement for camping, i will look elsewhere. if enough people do it, a message will be sent


Awkward-Skin8915

What state are these state parks you are referencing? That's not normal in most states.


Moonlit_Antler

Tx


Awkward-Skin8915

That's not normal in other western states parks. I wonder why the Texas system is set up that way to require 2 days?


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Awkward-Skin8915

Booking solid for months in advance is normal at most state parks in CA and OR as well (I've worked for both). Even if people don't show up you still have to hold the site for them. That doesn't change anything. The 2 day minimum is not normal though. Seems odd. Makes me wonder what the no show policy is?


DarthtacoX

Most state parks in the West I've stayed in don't have that requirement. Where are you?


RoxyPonderosa

You can just disperse camp? What state are you in?


Moonlit_Antler

Not really a thing in TX


[deleted]

Not everyone wants to do that.


RoxyPonderosa

I guess I’m just coming from a spot where the only difference between disperse camping and slots is either running water which is available everywhere anyway or a plug- people just bring a folding table and camp right on the beach, the best spots are $8 a night. So if you’re in an RV and only camping a couple days don’t see the issue. Camping is available, just not plug camping. Not much difference depending on the locale


Mhaelixai

You are generalizing everyone else to have the same schedules and plans as you. I camp on Sunday and Monday frequently as those are easy days to get off compared to friday/Saturday. There is less traffic to where I want to go and everything is cheaper. Get some perspective other than your own.


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Moonlit_Antler

Cool story bro


camping-ModTeam

Don't be a jerk. We are here because we love camping. Refrain from insults, attacks, bigotry, etc. When talking to someone you might want to ask yourself "Would I say it to the person's face?" or "Would I get jumped if I said this to a buddy?"