While planning ahead is always the best way to reserve RV camping sites, it’s not the only way. Whether you are someone that doesn’t enjoy planning or your original plans have fallen through, it is very possible to find campsites at the last minute. Here are my biggest tips and advice.
Getting Last Minute Campsites in Your Dream Park
For the most part, finding last-minute camping in a highly desirable place can be tough, but not impossible. My biggest advice is to start with the park you want to stay in and then have a list of alternatives that are close by. Call the parks and find out if they have had cancellations. Call Monday morning if you can. Also find out if they have any first come, first served sites and their policies. Be persistent and kind.
If they only have partial hookup sites left or dry camping spots, you might want to consider taking them. You are still in your first choice park, you will have access to a dump station (maybe they even have a honey wagon that comes by), and bathhouse(s).
Some parks have a waiting list. Depending on your plans, this may work out for you. If you want to be in Florida or Arizona for the winter, getting on the waiting list for that time of year might work out. If you will only be there for a month, it might not help out at all, especially if the list is long.
Look for RV Camping Sites on non-traditional Websites
Instead of Googling “RV Resorts in Orlando, Florida”, check out Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups, and/or Craigslist. Some of the listings might be for RV parks and campgrounds, but others might be for availability on private property. Of course, be mindful of scams or potentially unsafe conditions. Don’t just pick a place on the lake for $350 for 30 days because it’s a good deal, but it seems all wrong and suspicious.
Our current spot, on a lake, in Florida, in the winter, was found 7 days before we arrived on Facebook Marketplace. It is an RV park, but they were posting sites online. The place is so good, we booked for another 30 days.
Moochdock or Boondock Instead
Depending on where you are, you might find yourself staying on private property or public lands. Even if you have never stayed anywhere but campgrounds, it might not be as daunting as you think. With moochdocking, you are staying on someone’s property, maybe even parked in their driveaway. You will likely have access to water and maybe even electricity. Generally speaking, moochdocking and boondocking are a bit more short-term. You don’t want to wear out your welcome on someone’s property and public lands limit how long you can stay. My favorite place for finding boondocking sites is freecampsites.net and for moochdocking, I like Boondockers Welcome.
Be Flexible
I think the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to be flexible. Don’t get stuck into thinking that you will only find campsites that are undesirable, super expensive, or out of the way. Keep an open mind, keep calling, ask around, and stay positive. If you can widen your ideal location, do it. Our only requirement when we have looked for campsites in Florida this winter has been that the campsite be in the state of Florida and under $1,000 a month. So far, so good.
Exploring the Local Life is a Latino Roadschooling family of four that has been on the road since October 2015. We blog and vlog all about RVing, but it's not always rainbows and campfires. It's real-life every day as we navigate love, unschooling, and breaking free from the mold in our 26ft home on wheels. This post contains affiliate links. We receive a commission for purchases made via these links.