Outdoors

Easy Tips to Get You Camping in June… National Camping Month!

June 1, 2022COMtnMom

Who is ready for a summer camping adventure! June 1st kicks off National Camping Month, and it’s a great time to make some plans. Whether your family prefers campgrounds or likes to boondock, camping is a fantastic way to relax, soak in some nature, and spend time together.

Every year when the kids have summer break from school, it’s so nice to slow down the pace and NOT have plans for a bit. But boy, those 2-3 months go fast! My husband and I don’t have the same days off of work, so although I love spontaneous camping adventures… the reality is, I need to plan some dates to take off work and make those camping plans.

Camping Reservation Tips

Holy cow…. camping is POPULAR & busy these days!

Here in Colorado, the popularity of camping seems to have reached new heights. It’s a little annoying. Crowded nature make me cranky. But hey – I get it. And who am I to hog the Great Outdoors to myself?

Just know that if you like to have a campsite booked for the amenities, hookup, and location it offers… you’ll just need to plan ahead. We do a little of both – off grid, and campgrounds. I’ve learned a couple of tricks when booking a campsite, that I wanted to share.

Colorado State Park Reservation Site is a Nightmare

June National Camping Month Vega Dam — Our recent campsite at Vega Dam State Park, Colorado.

My husband hates the concept of a reservation system, but I think it’s helpful to be able to book a Colorado Parks & Wildlife campsite in advance (it’s actually now required). Especially if you are hauling your camper, tent, or RV for 3 hours away from home, arriving on a Friday night. They will be full. I like the peace of mind knowing we’ve got our spot saved.

So I don’t mean to sound ungrateful… but OMIGOODNESS trying to book a camping reservation through Colorado State Parks is a frustrating nightmare!

It’s the required account to book a campsite that trips you up. If you have an account that actually lets you log in, and book a campsite… you have been blessed. You didn’t even know, did you? Well you are, so don’t take it for granted.

For the rest of us foolish mortals, here’s my workaround.

Use the Colorado State Parks Camping Reservation site to find the dates and the available spot you’d like first. They have the most accurate info on what’s open.
Next login in to ReserveAmerica.com, search for that exact campground / site, and book it. There are no fees. No hassle. And it actually lets you create an account (that’s where I always get stopped, on the state’s website).

Ta-daah!

ReserveAmerica has hooked me up for any camping reservations I’ve needed to make. They are like the “Expedia” of campsites. Very slick.

National Park Reservations Full? Get Crafty

Another tip is for when you are heading to a specific destination, like a National Park, and are struggling to find availability.

Last summer, I planned and reserved a week long trip to Zion National Park and Bryce National Park. Everything had fallen into place except for ONE NIGHT that I needed to stay near Zion, preferably at a campground I had chosen. I could book 2 nights, but not 3.

Ok, maybe this is obvious but I was relieved when I figured it out….

Rubys Inn Campground pool Bryce Canyon — We LOVED Ruby’s Inn & Campground near Bryce National Park

Search for each night separately! You may have to switch campsites, but it will get to stay at the campground/location where you want to be. We were able to stay at a Zion campground that was super close to the park entrance, 2 nights in one spot and just had to move the camper to different spot for the 3rd night. Not ideal, but doable.

Check out my Bryce and Zion National Park trip highlights for photos, must-dos, and more tips on camping and visiting those parks. It was a fantastic trip, but we definitely learned some lessons that we will not repeat. 🙂

Saving Money on Gear

I liked this tip, and it came to me through a PR email from THOR Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of RVs: Don’t break the bank with expensive gear!

Ambassadors Brandy & Matt Gleason, who camp in a Heartland Sundance travel trailer, share that “Thrift stores are a camper’s best friend. We’ve always stocked our RV with repurposed items. Not only did we get everything we needed, but we are saving items from the landfill.”

I have absolutely outfitted our camper with a few things from Goodwill (like totally mismatched flatware that I absolutely adore), and agree this is an awesome approach.

Finding Local Fun

Another THOR Ambassador tip comes from Michael & Tiffany Dunagan, who camp in a Tiffin Allegro Open Road Class A: Check out the local city or county’s website.

“These local resources often have nearby attractions, historical places, events and festivals that you might not find anywhere else. Also, go to an event website like Eventbrite and type in your preferred city destination. There are often great local events listed there for little to no cost.”

National Camping Month Bryce Canyon Utah — Explore the rock shop and get ice cream at Bryce Canyon City.

It’s always a good to have some fun activity ideas for the kids in your back pocket. One thing I like to do is always keep a couple of kites stashed in our camper. They are surprisingly fun, especially when we are boondocking and have lots of space. And check out these best campfire activities for kids for more fun ideas to try.