@JeffroNC, I’m still trying to figure out our new 4 step and 5 step plans in Hoosierland and exactly when the campgrounds are allowed to open! By the time the campgrounds open, I’ll probably be ready to face others!
Similar thing in WA. Today’s announcement was that Phase 1 would be mid May, camping is part of Phase 2, and there will be at least 3 weeks between phases. That seems to indicate they don’t plan on reopening campgrounds before June around here.
2019 320s BD Lite, white with blue (“Haven”) 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models) 2020 Subaru Outback XT Pacific NW
Since we're on the other side of the lakes..Ontario, Canada...and nothing is moving fast up here...which is okay by me... we've not planned on going anywhere...except would be nice if the border opened up say June 16 th so we could visit a certain factory...and see some familiar faces from a distance...could turn out to be a fun game... everyone's hair might make them unrecognizable...we were very lucky to already have 7 weeks of camping in this year already...oh and from a Michigan friend...mid/late June is when the Parks should be opening there...
Former 2017 T@G Max XL 2021 T@B Boondock CS-S 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Ontario, Canada
@Sharon_is_SAM Ohio private campgrounds are open for seasonal campers only. No announcement yet, as to when the state of Ohio will open state parks up to camping.☹️
2015 T@b S Max white with silver trim. 2018 GC Trailhawk.
We have a choice of being ridiculously paranoid or sensibly cautious... I think I am half way in-between. I assume everything I touch outside of my home has the virus on it... so I don't touch my face and wash my hands often. What is really odd is coming in the house from grocery shopping and washing my hands both before AND after I go to the bathroom. And as soon as I wash my hands I take the opportunity to rub my eyes!!!
I am optimistic that we will camp this year. We have had distanced campfires with the neighbors with each of us 10 feet apart and I am hopeful that being outside also helps to make it less risky. We hope to do that in a campground at some point... with lots of hand washing and space between us.
We need to be physically distanced but socially connected more than ever. And remember... if your hands aren't chapped, you aren't washing them enough!
2016 T@B CS-S silver with white trim and WSU themed Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
I have been unable to find unreserved campsites at Yellowstone and other popular locations for July. If it was 2019, I would expect this and would have made then six months out. Some musings: I can't imagine that folks who have suffered layoffs and reduced hours will be traveling this summer. Are there that many retirees? I think attendance at the parks will be low this year but I might be wrong. I have a theory that people who made reservations last year are just not cancelling them whether or not they plan to or are able to go. After all, it only costs $10-$20 to just not show up, right?
We will forge ahead and try our luck with cancellations and walk ups anyway.
@JeffroNC many campgrounds cancelation fees are nearly the same as the reservation fee. So there is no incentive to cancel them.
My understanding is that third partys had bots that snatched up available campsites as soon as they were available for resale. The high cancellation fees were meant to deter this.
I still find it difficult to get campsites at prime tourist locations even at the max booking window.
2009 GMC Canyon, 3.7 liter 2020 320s Boondock lite, With Lots of mods
I know some here won't agree but we are going camping for a few nights right before memorial weekend. I didn't want to go out on the weekend since I think many more people will be out.
Anyway - we are staying at a private campground we have stayed at before. Found it on the Hipcamp website. The property is a Christmas tree farm where they sectioned off an area and made 5 campsites on 20 acres. No facilities so you need to be self contained. It's a 2 hour drive from our house. There is also state forest land near by and that is now open for day use so we plan to go hiking. If that isn't workable - too crowded for our comfort - the national forest in the area only has developed sites closed - so trail heads, campgrounds, picnic areas. There are so many logging roads, with many of them blocked for vehicle traffic, that a nice hike in the woods is still possible while being safe and following the rules.
Other than stopping once for gas - if we have to - we will be safe and respectful. And I have my "protocol" when stopping for gas. So I think we will have no more impact than we would staying here at home, getting carry out for dinner, or going to the drug store, etc. And if one of us was to start feeling bad we would just come home anyway.
2019 T@B 400 BDL 2018 Ford F-150 2.7L Ecoboost with tow package PNW
@JeffroNC, second @Cbusguy thoughts. Also add in the simple wait and see strategy. If its open we will go. if it's closed they will refund with out fees. Plenty of incentive not to cancel. A lot of this strategy mentioned in threads here.
Living in Florida we know there are plenty of retirees to fill things up. There also had to be a margin group waiting to retire that have had the decision made for them to go ahead and will want to travel. It's been particularly tough on business here as the last 1.5 to 2 months of high snowbird season were wiped out.
Jupiter, Florida~T@B 400, with 2018 Toyota 4Runner
@gspdx - We are a family here. No one should be criticizing anyone's choices. Each person needs to do what they feel is right for them and their family... as long as they are mindful of taking precautions to not accidentally spread this if you are asymptomatic, washing hands, wearing masks and distancing themselves when they are "near" others.
2016 T@B CS-S silver with white trim and WSU themed Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
Comments
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2021 T@B Boondock CS-S
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
Ontario, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/116999698310182/posts/3221906287819492/
Jeff & Amy
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014
Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado
Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA
Some musings:
I can't imagine that folks who have suffered layoffs and reduced hours will be traveling this summer. Are there that many retirees? I think attendance at the parks will be low this year but I might be wrong.
I have a theory that people who made reservations last year are just not cancelling them whether or not they plan to or are able to go. After all, it only costs $10-$20 to just not show up, right?
We will forge ahead and try our luck with cancellations and walk ups anyway.
Jeff & Amy
My understanding is that third partys had bots that snatched up available campsites as soon as they were available for resale. The high cancellation fees were meant to deter this.
I still find it difficult to get campsites at prime tourist locations even at the max booking window.
2020 320s Boondock lite, With Lots of mods
Anyway - we are staying at a private campground we have stayed at before. Found it on the Hipcamp website. The property is a Christmas tree farm where they sectioned off an area and made 5 campsites on 20 acres. No facilities so you need to be self contained. It's a 2 hour drive from our house. There is also state forest land near by and that is now open for day use so we plan to go hiking. If that isn't workable - too crowded for our comfort - the national forest in the area only has developed sites closed - so trail heads, campgrounds, picnic areas. There are so many logging roads, with many of them blocked for vehicle traffic, that a nice hike in the woods is still possible while being safe and following the rules.
Other than stopping once for gas - if we have to - we will be safe and respectful. And I have my "protocol" when stopping for gas. So I think we will have no more impact than we would staying here at home, getting carry out for dinner, or going to the drug store, etc. And if one of us was to start feeling bad we would just come home anyway.
2018 Ford F-150 2.7L Ecoboost with tow package
PNW
Living in Florida we know there are plenty of retirees to fill things up. There also had to be a margin group waiting to retire that have had the decision made for them to go ahead and will want to travel. It's been particularly tough on business here as the last 1.5 to 2 months of high snowbird season were wiped out.
Pulled by a silver 2017 Chevy Silverado
Leaves on T@bventures from Spokane, WA