Recreation.gov is the go-to platform for booking campgrounds, securing permits, and reserving experiences on federal lands. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what Recreation.gov offers and share tips to help you become a power user, so that you can nab those hard-to-get campsite reservations.
What is Recreation.gov?
Recreation.gov is a comprehensive booking platform that encompasses various federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers.
It is the one-stop shop for reserving campsites, obtaining lottery permits for popular hikes like Angels Landing, and securing timed entry passes for busy national parks.
Why Use Recreation.gov?
Recreation.gov is the largest campground operator in the world, making it the perfect starting point when planning your outdoor adventures in public lands.
The platform offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to find and book campgrounds, tours, and even picnic shelters. The federal campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov are typically more affordable than commercially-owned options. Users can apply certain passes, like the senior or accessibility pass, and receive discounts directly through the platform.
Tips for Finding the Best Campsites
One of the biggest draws to Recreation.gov is the affordable camping options inside or near some of our biggest National Parks, but did you know the US Federal Government is the largest campground operator in the world? That makes Recreation.gov home to thousands of other campgrounds that fall under the National Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers and more.
So how do you find them?
- Search by region: To find available campgrounds in a particular area, simply type the desired location into the search bar. For instance, if you want to explore Utah, type “Utah” and apply filters such as RV sites, electric hookups, or desired amenities. You can also input your RV length to ensure the campsite is suitable for your rig.
- Take advantage of the calendar view: Recreation.gov offers a calendar view that makes it easy to see availability at a glance. Use this feature to find the next available dates for your desired campground or to plan your trip around openings.
- View past and canceled reservations: The Recreation.gov app allows you to view a history of your past and canceled reservations. This can be helpful for remembering specific campgrounds or sites you’ve enjoyed in the past or want to avoid.
- Don’t be afraid of using Recreation.gov with a bigger RV: Recreation.gov offers options for RVs of various sizes. Input your RV length to find suitable campsites, and utilize the photos and descriptions provided to ensure the site will accommodate your rig.
- Explore hidden gems: While Recreation.gov can help you secure reservations at popular national parks, it also offers access to lesser-known destinations managed by federal agencies. By being open to exploring these hidden gems, you may discover new favorite campgrounds and experiences.
Is Recreation.gov just for RVers?
Absolutely not. You can use recreation.gov to book tent sites and cabins, too. And it’s more than campsites. It’s the home for park reservations and timed entries (more and more common with some of our popular parks). It’s also where you’ll apply for trail lotteries and backcountry permits. You can even reserve picnic shelters through the site.
The Recreation.gov app allows you to book last minute when visiting a park making it a must-have addition to your public land adventures.
Can I Book Anything Run by a Third-Party Concessionare?
Short answer: No.
Recreation.gov is only for campgrounds, hikes, excursions, etc run by one of the six federal agencies mentioned earlier. You can not make reservations for anything handled by a third-party concessionaire, so if you’re wanting to stay at the Awhanee Hotel in Yosemite, you’ll have to book directly through Aramark.
Do We Use Recreation.gov?
Short answer: Yes.
With its user-friendly platform, extensive campground listings, and helpful features, Recreation.gov is an essential tool for our RV and travel planning. We often refer to a recreation.gov campground as “home.” You can hear more of “What is Recereation.gov” on episode 275 of the RV Miles Podcast.
Have a thought on Recreation.gov or want to share your experience using the website or app with us? Join the RV Miles Facebook Group and share your thoughts with us.
