This is the HOW-TO-CAMP guide  
Information for tent and RV camping
CAMPING RESERVATIONS
 Making the right Camping
Reservations is the most important
factor in determining the success
of a Camping Vacation.  Careful
review of your camping options
and planning well in advance will  
help ensure you of a prime
camping site as well as a worry
free vacation.
Planning a Camping Vacation with your
friends or  family?    If so, it would be in
your best interest to plan your vacation
plenty of time ahead.   Regardless
of where you intend to go (the ocean
beaches, inland lakes, reservoirs, or river
campgrounds) most of the popular sites
along the water's edge are reserved far
ahead of time.   You don't want to miss out
on this great camping opportunity!
Where you camp (tent or RV) is probably the most important factor
in determining the outcome of an enjoyable camping  vacation.  It is
strongly advised to do your research and get  recommendations from  
friends and others who have already
experienced   camping.  Discuss with
your family where they prefer to go, what
activities you want to plan, distance to
travel, and of course your budget.  Each
of these considerations will make a substantial difference
whether the camping trip is a memorable success or a
disappointment.
 Planning your camping vacation in advance will help to
ensure that you are able to get a reservation. Camping is a
very popular activity, especially during the spring and summer
months.   You are likely one of hundreds of people in and
around your area who are also interested in having a fun
filled camping vacation, possibly even at the same time as
you.  Unfortunately, many campgrounds have limited space.   
To ensure that you are able to get a  reservation, you will
want to make your plans in advance.
Booking your camping location well in advance may also help you get a better
camping spot.  What many individuals do not know is that many campgrounds allow their
campers to choose a specific campsite in their campgrounds.  By viewing a map of the
campgrounds, you may find that the perfect camping spot is located next to the water, or
perhaps you would prefer one that is closer to a hiking trail.  With that in mind, however, it
is important to know that the longer you wait to make your camping reservations, the fewer
"prime" camping sites there will be available from which to choose.  
Making the reservation.  You have made your decision as to which type of   
campground you will camping in.  If it is a commercial campground for RVs and tent
camping, check out The Good Sam Club.  This million member club has listings of
thousands of campgrounds and each one is rated annually for cleanliness, service,
location, amenities, etc. As a club member you will receive a discount on your stay.  
Perhaps you have decided to stay at a State Park campground.

Reserve America is a nationwide reservation system that handles many of the State Park
reservations.  We recommend going directly to the State Park web site for a complete
description of the park and camping facilities.  Here you will usually find a map of the
campsites as well as camping rates.  Once you have chosen your camping site, click on
reservations.  If your choice is one of the many federally owned campgrounds along a
major reservoir or in the national forest, this reservation web site should get you the
information you will need.
Enjoy your next camping vacation.  Make your reservation well in advance and plan your
trip with a camping checklist.  Knowing that you have brought all the necessary supplies
with you and that most of your activities are planned ahead of time will make this vacation
one to remember in the years to come.