Most RVers assume campground reservations work like hotel bookings — you reserve a specific site and that’s where you stay. In reality, many campgrounds overbook and assign actual sites based on arrival order and staff judgment calls. This is especially true at state parks and larger commercial campgrounds during peak season.
The reservation system often books you into a ‘site type’ rather than a numbered spot. When you arrive, the front desk staff looks at what’s actually available, considers your rig size and setup needs, then assigns you to a specific site. This is where knowing how to communicate with campground staff makes a real difference. Calling the day before arrival — not weeks ahead — lets you mention specific needs like satellite TV access, level ground for slideouts, or proximity to bathhouses.
Experienced campers have learned that being flexible on arrival time also helps. Sites that were supposed to be vacated by checkout time are sometimes still occupied by late departures. Staff often keeps a mental list of which guests were friendly during the reservation process versus which ones were demanding or difficult. While they won’t put you in a bad spot out of spite, they’re more likely to upgrade accommodating guests to premium sites when openings appear.
This system works in your favor if you understand it. Instead of getting frustrated when your ‘reserved’ site isn’t exactly what you expected, treat the assignment conversation as an opportunity to get the best available match for your actual camping style and rig requirements.