Camping Will Take More Planning This Year

Above, RVs driving through one of Yellowstone's valleys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in "the great outdoors" has seen a big resurgence since the pandemic began last year. 

More people are buying and renting RVs than ever before and this year is expected to be another record year.

With that in mind, camping will take a little more planning than in years past.

The Powell Tribune has an article on what to expect and what steps to take to ensure that a campsite can be secured.

They begin with:

As outdoor recreation exploded in popularity in the past year, many state and federal campsites in the area were at full capacity, making impromptu trips difficult. Waiting to see a forecast for the weekend may become a thing of the past if you want to ensure getting a spot. 

Instead, reservations are now moving online and fewer spots will be available on a first come, first served basis in area campgrounds. Beginning March 24, visitors heading to campsites in Yellowstone National Park are advised to make advance reservations at three additional park-managed campgrounds: Mammoth, Slough Creek and a portion of Pebble Creek.

Yellowstone campsites will also become more expensive. Park officials are raising the daily price by $5 to offset the expense of the new reservation system. Visitors will be able to book sites up to six months in advance, according to a Tuesday press release. 

The reservation system “will enrich the visitor experience by reducing traffic congestion at campgrounds, improving safety, and eliminate uncertainty and frustration,” according to the release.

For visitors who arrive without reservations, the park will have two and a half campgrounds operating on a first come, first served basis. However, reservations are “highly encouraged since campgrounds fill each day, often before noon.”

To read more, go here.