If you’re planning a trip to a popular national park or forest, you’ve probably seen the term “first come, first serve” for campsites. Understanding how first come first serve camping works is the key to securing a spot without a reservation, and it’s a system that rewards flexibility and a bit of strategy.
This guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover how to find these sites, the best tactics for claiming one, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s get you prepared for a successful adventure.
How Does First Come First Serve Camping Work
At its core, first come, first serve (often abbreviated FCFS) means campsites are allocated in the order that guests arrive. There are no advance reservations. You physically drive to the campground, find an empty site, and claim it by following the campground’s specific registration process. This is the traditional way camping worked before online booking became so widespread.
It’s important to know that “first come” refers to your arrival at the campground itself, not your arrival to the park entrance or general area. A full campground will often have a “Campground Full” sign posted at its entrance, so checking online status updates before you head out is a smart move.
The Typical Process for Claiming a FCFS Site
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what usually happens:
- Arrive at the Campground: Drive slowly through the campground loops to look for an empty site. An empty site will have no gear and a vacant campsite post.
- Identify Site Status: Look for a tag or sign on the campsite post. It should clearly indicate if the site is available, occupied, or reserved.
- Secure Your Site Immediately: Before setting up camp, many places require you to officially claim the site. This often involves placing a physical item like a camping chair or cooler at the site to show it’s taken while you go pay.
- Complete Registration & Payment: Go to the campground’s self-pay station or host site. Fill out the registration envelope with your information, put your fee inside, and deposit it. Take the provided tag and attach it to your campsite post.
- Set Up Camp: Once your tag is displayed, you can move your vehicle into the site and begin setting up your tent or RV.
Where to Find First Come, First Serve Campgrounds
These campgrounds are common across public lands. You’ll find them in:
- National Forests and Grasslands: A huge percentage of US Forest Service campgrounds operate on FCFS, especially outside the most famous areas.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land: BLM offers vast areas for dispersed camping, but they also maintain developed campgrounds that are often FCFS.
- State Parks and Recreation Areas: While many state parks use reservations, they frequently hold a portion of their sites for FCFS arrivals.
- National Parks: This is the trickiest. Some iconic parks have moved entirely to reservations, but many still have a limited number of FCFS sites. These are the most competitive.
How to Research FCFS Options Before You Go
Never rely on guesswork. Use these resources:
- The official website of the managing agency (e.g., Recreation.gov, FS.USDA.gov, state park websites).
- Call the local ranger district office. They have the most current info on occupancy and conditions.
- Check recent comments on camping apps like The Dyrt or Campendium. Campers often post real-time updates about site availability.
Pro Tips for Securing a First Come, First Serve Campsite
Getting a spot requires more than just luck. Here are strategies that significantly improve your odds.
1. Time Your Arrival Strategically
This is the most critical factor. The best time to arrive is on a weekday, not a weekend. For weekends, aim to arrive early on Thursday or even Wednesday afternoon. If you must arrive on a Friday, plan to get there before 11 AM. Most campers vacate sites by 10 or 11 AM, creating a window of availability around checkout time.
2. Always Have a Backup Plan
Never assume you’ll get a site. Before you leave home, identify 2-3 alternative FCFS campgrounds in the area. Also, know where the nearest dispersed camping (free, primitive camping on public land) is allowed, and have the rules for that area handy. This prevents panic if your first choice is full.
3. Be Prepared to “Camp Host” for a Site
If you arrive and see someone packing up, it’s acceptable to politely ask if they are leaving. You can then wait nearby for them to fully vacate. This is known as “hosting” a site. Be respectful, don’t pressure them, and don’t start setting up until they have completely left and you’ve paid.
4. Travel Light and Be Flexible
Having a smaller vehicle or rig makes it easier to fit into any available site. Be willing to take any site that’s open, even if it’s not the most scenic one. You can always move to a better spot later in your stay if one opens up, by checking with the camp host.
5. Understand the Fee and Payment System
Have cash on hand. Many self-pay stations do not accept cards. Know the exact nightly fee and have small bills. Some campgrounds use a centralized pay station, while others have individual pay posts at each site. Read the instructions carefully to avoid a citation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in FCFS Camping
Even experienced campers can slip up. Avoid these errors:
- Assuming “First Come” Means You Can Save Sites: You cannot claim multiple sites for friends arriving later. Most campground rules strictly prohibit holding sites, and rangers or other campers will not honor it.
- Ignoring Check-Out Time: If you’re waiting for a site, respect the current occupant’s right to stay until the posted check-out time (often 11 AM or 2 PM). Looming over them is rude.
- Not Displaying Your Permit: That tag on the post is your proof of payment. If you forget to put it up, you may be woken up by a ranger or asked to move by another camper thinking the site is open.
- Overlooking Length of Stay Limits: FCFS sites often have a limit (e.g., 14 days). You must track your stay and leave on time to make room for others.
The Etiquette of First Come, First Serve Camping
Good manners make the system work for everyone.
- Be honest and patient when scouting for sites.
- Help others by reporting your departure to a camp host if you leave early, so they can free up the site.
- Keep noise down, especially during early morning arrival and evening hours when people are trying to secure sites or sleep.
- Always leave the site cleaner than you found it. This isn’t just etiquette; it’s a principle for all public land use.
How FCFS Compares to Reservation Camping
Each system has its pros and cons.
First Come, First Serve Pros: Spontaneity, no planning far ahead, often less expensive fees, can sometimes find last-minute spots in popular areas.
First Come, First Serve Cons: High uncertainty and stress, requires arriving early, risk of not finding any site, difficult for large groups or specific dates.
Reservation Pros: Guaranteed spot, allows for precise trip planning, essential for peak season in popular parks, better for groups.
Reservation Cons: Need to book months in advance, often involves non-refundable fees, less flexibility if plans change.
FAQs About First Come, First Serve Camping
What’s the best day to get a first-come, first-serve campsite?
Tuesday through Thursday are you best bets, with Thursday being ideal for securing a weekend spot. Sunday afternoons can also have openings as weekenders leave.
Can I leave my gear to hold a first come first serve site?
Generally, no. Most campground rules state a site is not officially claimed until the fee is paid and the permit is posted. Leaving unattended gear is often against the rules and may be removed. Always pay first.
Do all national parks have first-come, first-serve camping?
No, many have moved to full reservation systems. However, some like Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Park still offer limited FCFS sites. Always check the specific park’s website months before your trip.
How early should I arrive to get a site?
For in-demand areas, aim to arrive by 8 or 9 AM on weekdays and as early as 7 AM on summer weekends. In extremely popular locations, people sometimes line up at the entrance before dawn.
What happens if the campground is full?
Have your backup plans ready. This could mean driving to your next listed alternative campground, seeking out dispersed camping if available and legal, or finding a nearby hotel. Never camp in undesignated areas where it’s prohibited.
Is there a way to check FCFS availability online?
Some agencies, like the US Forest Service, are starting to offer real-time status updates on their websites or via phone hotlines. However, this is not universal. A phone call to the ranger station is the most reliable method for current info.
Final Thoughts on Mastering FCFS Camping
First come, first serve camping offers a sense of adventure and accessibility that reservation systems can’t match. It keeps spontaneity alive in the outdoors. Success hinges on preparation, timing, and flexibility. By researching thoroughly, arriving early on off-peak days, and having solid backup options, you can reliably find beautiful places to camp without booking months ahead.
Remember, the system relies on shared respect and following the rules. Pay your fees, display your tag, adhere to stay limits, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Now that you know the ins and outs, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence and find your perfect spot under the stars.