I would like to be able to make inexpensive reservations at more campgrounds. Reservations can be made at some and some you can't. When you can it cost $9 to make a simple internet reservation. Difficult to make plans to camp at a FS Campground without reservations when it's hundreds of miles from home.

$9 does seem out of line doesn't it. This whole subject of reservations is right up there in being the most controversial. There are many in the Forest Service who don't like it for a variety of reasons. But, knowing that a campsite will be available upon arrival when, as you say, one is traveling a long way is essential for peace of mind. That is to say nothing of the potential huge inconvenience if all the sites are taken.

My standing gripe, however, is sites in a growing number of NF campgrounds are closing in on a 100% reserveable. That makes the hair on the back of my neck stand stright up.

Fred

I'm with you Fred, and would prefer to see no more than 50% reservable at NFS Campgrounds. The freedom to travel about searching out these wonderful forests is diminished if one always has to plan in advance and make reservations. The length of our stay is often determined after we arrive at the campground and check out the availability of hiking, kayaking, biking, etc.

I agree that there needs to be reservations for the vary reasons that you state, I'd hate to drive 500 miles only to find out that theres no place to camp,but I also find 100% as extreme.

I like the idea of being able to make reservations, but more than 40% to 50% of the campground should not be reservable. Also, not all of the nicer sites should be reservable.

I also agree with Trailhiker that

"40% to 50% of the campground should not be reservable. Also, not all of the nicer sites should be reservable."

Not always knowing how far I may travel a day would make this an important factor to me.

I concur about availability, but what really upsets me is the service fee charged to reserve a site. $9.00 is a bit steep especially when the reservation is only for a night or two. That comes to almost 20% of the total cost for a weekend trip! A couple of dollars (2 or 3) would seem reasonable but 9 is just excessive. If you have the means to influence this fee please do. Thanks.

Sorry but alone Fred and I don't have that much influence but you do. Next time you go camping fill out a comment card stating that you find the reservation fee too steep. Or you could voice your opinion here http://www.fs.fed.us/customer/commentcard_r6.htm at the Forest Service main website. How effective is such action? Well, it got them to drop the reduction in the Senior Discount

so please speak your mind.

The URL that Suzi gave will get you to the Pacific NW Region Office. It does indeed have a comment section, but if you want to make your comments to the National Office, scroll to the bottom of that page and
click "Map and Internet Comment Card". If you want to make a comment to the Region where you live, the addresses of all Region Offices are shown on the map.
Ed

Thanks Ed - Too much juggling for my tired brain. Suzi

Thanks all. I did post a comment on their site. Hopefully others will do the same.