I am finding that with the price of gas going up it is getting easier to book a open spot in the state and federal camp grounds.Is any one else finding this to be true or is it just where I camp most of the time in Georgia & Florida.

I see a lot of campers of all shapes and sizes going down the road here in this part of East Texas. I don't know where they are going but I wish I could go. We will be going late in the summer I don't care what prices are, I think I deserve it.

Last week we were on a short 22 day trip around FL and see the same thing here as well. Parks are empty, places to eat are the same as parks, and not a lot of people around. We start travel again in May and find everyplace we look on line like State Parks and COE Parks all have open sites and on weekends as well. Very odd to see this. I looked on out into June and July and see no problem to get into anything. The high fuel cost has killed off a lot of RV people. On the road here in FL we found very little RV traffic. At the last State Park we were in as we pulled out one motorhome was left. Park had 35 sites and my count found only 10 units.

I manage a campground in Central Texas and we had about 1/2 the usual Winter Texans coming through this year that we had last year. If fuel prices don't drop I think there will be even less next season. It is a shame that so many people cannot travel like they want to because of prices. Most of the people on the road now are people that travel for their jobs and live in their RV rather than paying hotel prices.

I've seen a few folks on 95 in NJ,MD, and VA recently, but not as many as I'd have expected now that Spring is here. We have trips planned that we'll go on, but the last minute trips will be much closer to home than in years past (sorry Pennsylvania, won't be seeing you this summer).

We were one month late on trying to book a private and state campground... both booked solid...so far I'm not seeing it.

Mike

Our experience this year is much like 2008 when fuel was at then record levels. Fewer people traveling and more staying closer to home. We leave FL mid May and head north until October. Some campgrounds where we usually stay up north for a few days say they are full and a couple have said they are going to be all seasonal this year. Snowbird parks in Central FL looked full this winter and a couple of owners said this year was a "normal" year (not bad, not good). We do not normally stay in state park/coes (we prefer full hook ups) but the few we have booked (trips with grandkids) are showing full. Restaurants, doctor's offices, and highways here in Central FL are back to "in between crowds" - snow birds gone and kids out of school tourists not here yet.

We haven't had any problems making reservations including Memorial Day weekend in Flagstaff and Fourth of July weekend in Boise. Haven't decided on Labor Day weekend yet, but all three places in Montana we are considering aren't booked up yet. MIght be an easy year to get into the parks.

Actually we are experiencing the opposite in Indiana. The campgrounds are filling up quickly and earlier. We are already having difficulty making reservations for the summer at Indiana campgrounds. Until a year ago our idea of vacationing was going to Europe, and I think like us, a lot of people are selecting less expensive vacationing options.

We've been in AZ for the winter. Have decided to just leave the RV here all summer and early fall and drive home to Maine w/out it. With gas at nearly $5:00 a gallon, to pull it across the country is too much $$. We can stay in cheap hotels/motels for less.

I may have to eat my words.It has not stopped the snow birds from going to the Keys.I just went on line looking for more days in the keys and the earliest any thing was open was the end of march 2012 and not many in state Parks then.

You got to be kidding! I just heard on the news that gas in Orlando was $5.69 a gallon. It's got to be worse in the Keys!

The $5.69 gas in all the news is at a gas station near the airport - the last place for tourists to stop before they turn in the rental car. There are no price signs on the roadway so most do not know what they will pay until they are already there and it is too late to go elsewhere. This station has been doing this for years. Orlando TV stations do an "exposee" every three months or so. The owner just ignores them and keeps making his trips to the bank. Regular gas today at most stations is about $3.79 in Orlando.

Sounds like I better get busy and book my major stops for late September and early October up North. As previously mentioned, I think a lot of people are staying closer to home which is making the local favorite spots full. In regards to gas prices, I think a lot of that is the media and speculation hype. I have a feeling towards the end of year when the politicians start their campaigns the price of gas will miraculously go down. Considering I am taking my major trip of the year late in the year I may come out okay on the gas prices. Keeping my fingers crossed just in case.

Just returned from a one month, 3,800 mile RV trip from NM through Texas, Lousiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and return through Arkansas. Found state parks at low vacancy levels during the week, but school is not out yet. That changes the formula.

Weekends are still tight at the family attractive parks near major urban areas. Noticed lots of tent campers. State Park rangers in Texas are the most helpful, even referring to nearby private RV parks when necessary. This trip was exciting, dodging the tornados. Tornados chased and leapfrogged over us at every campground. They must have recognized the RV. Always afraid tornados will mistake us for a modular home, which they seemingly devour with relish..

GasBuddy.com is good info. Fuel was 'comparitively' reasonable at Sam's Club and Costco. Kroger and their corporate affiliates card is a real saver at their fuel facilities nationwide. Walmarts with fuel are also somewhat more reasonable. H.E.B. in Texas is a good fuel card. The falling US dollar value is the culprit. Inflation is apparent. US dollars in the bank are depreciating fast ...so enjoy. trip posted at DaFlikkers.blogspot

Well, we left yesterday morning for our 4-month odyssey and managed to get a whole three hours on the road before we blew a tire on the fiver. So I had two hours to observe how many RV passed by us on I-10.........lots and lots and lots. People are either heading out or going home, but there were one heck of a lot of RVs out on the highway. Obviously, gas prices can't dowse the spirits of the dedicated RVers!

That is no way to start a 4 month trip.I live right off I-95 and a lot of them are snow birds going home.By there tag`s on the RV`s

I've spent the last couple months at a number of RV parks, and State Parks in New Mexico. In most cases RV travel has increased over last year at those parks. In some cases parks that typically have lots of open spaces have even been at or near capacity. The exception has been in areas getting unusually cold weather this year, where RV use has been way down. I spent last week at Hyde State Park, above Santa Fe. It snowed for several days, and the park was almost deserted. Last year at this time weather was much warmer, and the RV area was full. This week I am at Oasis State Park near Clovis NM. The weather has been in the 80's, and I took the last available RV spot when I arrived. Last year at this time there were a number of open spots. So in N.M. weather seems to have a lot more influence on travelers than gas price. I paid $3.78/gallon today however, so we'll see what happens if/when gas reaches $4!

Jim it has all ready got to 4.00 dollars a gallon here or very close 3.98.9.I think a lot of it is in peoples head.If the difference of 20 cent a gallon is going to brake you.You did`t need to go in the first place.I do know when it hit high enough that it took over a hundred dalliers to fill my tow van it sort of shocked me but it was like 93. something to fill up before that.So not that much difference it is just in your head.Like putting a price of 9.98 on something.

We "Had" reservations for a corps of engineers campground and due to the rain and high lake levels, our Memorial weekend campsite got canceled. That was at around 1pm today, I spent around 1.5 hours trying to find a state/federal/private campground within 100 miles for the weekend. No luck, booked solid. That is here in Kentucky. I dont think the gas prices are going to matter too much to people, as I know it is going to suck ($100 a pop to fill up my Silverado), but I dont care, I LOVE CAMPING So you know what, we will probably just suck it up and drive on!!!

But it beats sitting at home, looking at my camper in the drive and wishing I was camping!!! Like Im probably gonna be doing this Memorial weekend!!

Well, two more blowouts in the next three days. Only 6,000 miles on the tires (fiver is only 1 1/2 years old)...who knows what's wrong but as Desi said to Lucy "...you got some 'splaining to do" when we get home and take it in for service. Bought five new tires (not an expense we had planned on) and the trip seems to be running on rails now. The parks seem to be as much filled as they were last year, so people do seem to be traveling. The 4-month has turned into a 6-month now. Snow today in New Mexico. Oh, well, we wanted to get away from the Florida heat....

Hi,

How fast do you tow?

We NEVER stay at COE or State Campgrounds. Feel that our children should not be working and contributing to our travel expense. The Govn. can't balance their own checkbook so can't really say all of these places should be open, glad to see they are not full. We are finding that the same is true for the poor souls trying to contribute to the economy who own the little mom and pop campgrounds. Not a single one was full from FL to WI. Felt bad for them trying to make a living but glad we at least contributed one night to their hard work and efforts of making our overnight stays wonderful. Some wonderful campgrounds out there that are not going to continue to be in business if we do not support them.

Why not try a nice privately owned campground, cleaner and more security. Am sure several would still have availabiltiy.

55 tops. We just stick in the right lane and let the world pass us by. The campground will still be there even if we get there an hour later.

We are definitely noticing a decrease in campers outside of our region.

High gas prices are the pits.

If you have mifi and can look on-line while traveling, these sites will help in keep the pump from sucking your wallet dry. They allow you to look on-line for the cheapest price on fuel

http://gasbuddy.com/ It really helps to have the zip code on this one - you will see all station's prices in the immediate area on a map.

http://gasprices.mapquest.com/?area=national You can select any type of fuel on this one...including propane.

These sites rely on the public to update their info, and by registering & doing so I understand you can win prizes in the way of free fuel. If nothing else, it's a fun way to feel like you are getting back at those price gougers

You don't know how right your are but I don't think it is the gas price alone to shy away campers.
I am spending my Winter in Florida too , Crystal River and not only you had a lot of spots to chose from but, even during Christmas, the shopping centers were half empty.
The USA is going through a very difficult period and on top of that the Florida's economy is graded on tourism and ......
I am not trying to be pessimistic but , I believe that it will take few years for the economy there to pick up.

Well with camping season finished up I got a better observation to this question... all our trips that we had booked into the weekend we found the campgrounds at least 95% full. There was only one campground which we had booked during the weekday that was located in a prime destination area that only 50% full at best which we found very surprising.

So overall seemed most of the campgrounds that we visited were mostly packed with the same booking hassles

Mike

Well with camping season finished????? :MIKE, the camping season is just starting, I AM A SNOW BIRD and while you are at home NORTH ??????, I shall be relaxing under the Florida sun and fishing every day , BUT, I am a sensible guy and before starting my day when I am there, I check with the computer the weather condition of N. USA and Canada and I feel really miserable for all of you poor people going around with gloves, scarf, booths and frozen nose tip.
Think about that, you have to wait an other 10 - 15 - 20 or years before being able to retire and join the elected people.... (don't sweat,. I can't hear you...)

Oh sure rub it in... but I"ll still have 10 -15- 20 years of camping before hopefully some retirement camping!!

Hmmmm I think there's a cold front just getting ready to plow into Florida!

Mike

Yeah, and what will it drop the temperature to? 65 if it is a really cold one? Brrrrr

We're permanent residents of south Florida (bricks&sticks) and taking our RV to north FL tomorrow for a week. I thought it was low-season there because summer is their high season so didn't make reservations way in advance.

Turns out that our first spot only had one space left because a hunting party took the rest. Next weekend has a big kayak group and the next weekend...etc

However I don't expect we'll have any trouble at larger state parks with more spaces later in the week on weekdays.

Factoid: 2 different sources this week told us that they were busy-busy-busy with RV work (restoration, repair, etc) and that business had really picked up in the last 6 months. Both sources were in Florida.

Your mileage may vary :-)

You got it.Just got home from a seven day camping trip at Sebastian Inlet SP. Six days no heat or A/C windows open day and night yesterday had the A/C on in the evening woke up this morning and turned the heat on as the RV was 61 inside.Back home a little north only going to be mid sixty's today but back to seventy's tomorrow.Life is rought down here but some one has to live here and pay property tax's to keep the politicians pockets full.

We know the feeling. Heat and cold are not a big problem but it cost lots of money to help keep up the states money supply. Like a bottomless money pit. A tough life but someone needs to help keep the money flow up.

Our campground, in Central TX, used to fill up with over night campers as the Winter Texans headed to the valley for the winter. Now I see many still going by but I think they are trying to put in longer days so they don't have to pay for over night camping as often as they used to do. Some that have stopped have told me they drove 10-12 hrs that day and just felt like they couldn't make the last few hours so they gave in and stopped. I understand how they feel about having to take time off the road and pay for something they they feel they can pass up. Money is really tight.

Less American rigs so far this year in my Yuma winter retreat park.
Thank God for Canadian's whom are somewhat filling the gap.
It's apparent so many more Americans are broke as a joke and are not making the trip this year.

Ha, ha, ha, cold spot, yes you are right ,it is going to be 65 F. for one night but it is not really the temperature that makes me happy, I shall explain in few lines how's my miserable life once there.. I get up around 09 am , not because it is time but the birds are making so much noisy and the smell of flowers is so intense that's difficult to remain in bed.
I get up and while I am doing so, my lovely wife is preparing a fresh pot of coffee, bacon and eggs and I know that it is not polite but while eating, I am browsing through the internet for the weather here (because I have to go fishing) and I am also checking the weather in the northern part of USA and Canada and when I see minus 15 or 20,in Canada and plus 1 or 2 in northern USA, I cannot refrain from shivering and being very concerned for my human pair that have to get up early, dress up like an Eskimos and then (I shall say a bad word) going to work in slush or cold or rain.
No, it is not fair, no human being should be forced to stand in such environment ... unless you have been very, very naughty and this is your punishment.
In closing, I promise, every Sunday I shall make a prayer for all of you.
signed....THE BEST

Yes, but, some of us are forced to show the rest how life should be lived but someone has to do it. Chilly 60 degrees this morning in Rockport TX.

Not certain how the rest of the snowbird areas are, but here in Central Fl the rv parks look full as we drive by. Traffic has been horrible, restaurants and Dr's offices are full of snowbirds. Yesterday, all four Disney parks, Universal, and Legoland all announced they had quit admitting people because the parks were at capacity.

When the weather turns cool and the snowbirds start heading into Florida is usually when the wife and I take off. There is nothing like the Grand Canyon in January as well as many other National Parks that are crowded during the Summer. Cold weather/snow doesn't bother us and the dog loves it. I always carry snow chains to use to get into and out of some RV parks when the snow falls. My coach was built for Winter with double pane windows, plenty of insulation, and plenty of heat available to keep us comfortable. We do watch the weather carefully and am able to avoid the really bad storms, but as we know with tornadoes in the South, bad weather can get you anywhere.
If you don't like crowds, like we have in Florida during the Winter, traveling in the off season is the only way to go.

Hooo I see, there are many jealous people in the work force but remember you are the back bone of the country , furthermore, if you are going to behave well (i.e. no kandies, no fat food, limited booze, reduce the hunky punky around, be a good citizen and pay all taxes.. etc..) you will live beyond a retirement day (afterthought ), if you behave like a saint, it is not even worth live beyond retirement....
Signed, the wise one.

We spent the day at the Tampa RV Super show. This was the first time in years to see this number of people. The show was wall to wall with people. Parking lots at 9:30 am were close to full. Long lines to get into the show. Hard to walk around and look at RV's. RV park inside with hookup's was full. Parking lot outside the gate had lots of large RV's as well. I think more people are coming back into RV life now.

According to the RV Dealers' Association (RVDA), there was a 12.6% sales increase in motorhomes between June 2010 and June 2011. In the same period, sales for towables experienced a 4.2% sales increase.
There is still a ways to go, but hope you are right about more people coming into the RV life.

Hmmmm I think there's a cold front just getting ready to plow into Florida!

Ah, yes, but we Floridians know how to bundle up when the wind chill factor gets down to 65. After all, we do have orange juice in our veins instead of blood. I had some guests once visiting from Michigan when the temp got down in the 40's. They were complaining about the cold and I said "well, just put on a jacket and you'll be fine!". They didn't want to wear jackets in Florida. Amazing, they'd wear jackets in Michigan if it was in the 40's but would rather walk around in Orlando and freeze their a$$s off.

I'd love to see a demographic breakdown - I'm in my late 30's (for a few more months) and have young children - how does my age range fit in this vs. Baby Boomers looking to full time. Not any kind of value judgement, just curious - is RVing maintaining it's young family end or is it eroding on that end but picking up amongst retirees? Based on what I've seen, it's pretty much an even split, but my experience is limited to mostly NJ, PA and a little in DE and SC.

I am also in the upper 30's down in Florida. We bought our first RV 8 years ago after my son was born in order to tailgate football games with AC for the baby. 3 rv's later we get out about one weekend every month and also use it for my sons travel baseball games. We have had two families stay with us over the years that now own rv's. I think the thought of RV's are for just the retired is slowly changing. The manufactures are also designing the new rigs with families in mind. Just my thoughts, but I see a constant with the more mature population but a slow increase in the 30-40ish age frame.

We're run into a lot of people in the last two years who are full-timing with children. They're homeschooling in the RV. Some are just traveling and some are going from work site to work site.

Well waiting to see what happens now. Paid over 4.00 dollars a gallon last week in south Florida. As we have trips booked till June we will take them as they are paid for.After that will be looking close to home I think. Will still camp but not put on the miles but when we do will stay longer at each stop.At the time my mileage direct cost is around .50 cents a mile for gas only.