Recreation.gov Reviews

by Megvic87

Looking at Red Rock Canyon it says you have to put in your annual pass number at checkout, but then you don’t...you just select the type of pass you have and present it at the window. This was a hassle for me because the park pass is in the car. I’m in the hotel room trying to plan my visit. The hotel has valet parking. So I had to decide if I should just pay the $15 (which I shouldn’t have to b/c I’m a pass-holder)...or if I should go get the car out of valet, which would also cost a few bucks. So I do all of that and then in the end I didn’t even NEED the number like it said I would! Update your copy to prepare the user for what info they’ll actually need at checkout. So simple.

by ReignBB

Lost out on sites because it said it was adding to cart, then would error out, click add to cart again and it wouldn’t be available, and it wasn’t in my cart. Because time was of the essence and booking for a group, would add to cart (had to add twice because it would error the first time, every time) go back grab the next site. When I had all of the sites in the cart, I went to modify and it would error out. Ended up having to remove from cart, which would error out, then add back in and add the details, then move on to the next site in my cart and do the same thing. Once I FINALLY was able to complete my reservations, it asks for feedback. I tried to enter my feedback, and guess what, it through another error. This time it didn’t matter how much I tried, it would not go through. So, here we are. Unfortunately, the website won’t let you book more than one site at a time, so you need Recreationgov.

by IanR132

The campground maps are complete garbage and there’s no excuse for it when you look at other sites like reserveamerica and how they do their maps. I have to go onto the forest service website to get an accurate map of the campground I’m trying to book so I know where the sites actually are in the campground. When I enter dates and it comes back with which sites are available and partially available, it doesn’t tell me which of my dates the site is available. I have to clear out the dates entirely and then go back in to see which dates it’s available. The programmers could’ve done a much better job with this website and app.

by Annoyed Grumble Plant

The service associated with Recreationgov is a hot mess. Yes, you can search and book sites on your phone——-BUT, pray there are no complications whatsoever. If you get a muddled availability, cancellation, or any other reason to contact support, buckle your seat belts for a bumpy ride.
I had my reservation cancelled by the site, and trying to resolve the issue was one of the most frustrating dealing-with-a-business experiences I’ve ever had. They seem to think they are only responsible for taking payments, not issuing refundsor dealing with problems that arise. The rep actually suggested that I drive two hours, into a camp area closed for extreme weather, to ask for a refund. Brilliant! I’m thinking that’ll be the first time I need to pack snow shoes and bear spray to get a refund. Hopefully, Recreationgov and support service get their act together.

by Evanseesred

I set my alarm for 6:45 AM to book one of the coveted tickets to Yosemite coming up in 2 days. I had my phone and my computer set up for when they go live. Within seconds, all the tickets are gone.

Fine. I get it. There’s way better ways to do this but I’m not here to criticize that. BUT...have you ever thought about pushing the time back a few hours? Why make everyone wake up at the crack of dawn for tickets they can’t use for 2 more days? How about a reasonable 9:00 AM! Now I’m up early and could’ve really used that sleep on our trip. Just a thought. I could try again tomorrow but I doubt my luck would be any better. (And I don’t think I want to wake up this early again.)

by AlecFernandez

Unsure if one person can but 5 tickets or if each Unsure if one person can but 5 tickets or if each person has to buy their own. It asked how many tickets and I was prompted for five names but under each name I could select multiple tickets. Would have been nice to enter only one name, email, license and buy 5 tickets has to buy their own. It asked how many tickets and I was prompted for five names but under each name I could select multiple tickets. Would have been nice to enter only one name, email, license and buy 5 tickets

by Magohorn

It’s rather an annoying website (and by extension, app). It isn’t user friendly, and there are no directions. It is hard to figure out which campsites are or aren’t available on certain dates. Also, I don’t understand what certain codes, like “partially available” mean. If you reserve something, even without paying, you can’t modify the dates for at least 15 minutes. I think it would be really helpful if there were clear directions, both on the website, and in Recreationgov . I would also love to know which sites were first come first served. I guess those aren’t available currently, bc of COVID? I wish there was a way to see all the campsites at one time in a chart, along with available dates, but I couldn’t find an option to display in that way.

by Alffffffff

Recreationgov is easy to use and fun to explore. We had a problem with our reservation and after being disconnected and sent to the back of the line twice, the customer service person said they couldn’t help me because my reservation was already booked and ended the chat before I could ask a question. Not helpful at all and extremely frustrating. If there was another way to book our favorite campground next year I would be trying that just to see if it was any better. But, no other sites book the campground so I guess we will be back.

by *ABE*

If possible, it would be helpful to model Recreationgov version identical to the computer version of the timed entry site. Recreationgov version does not show any timed entries available from 6am to 1pm.

The computer version is unclear about whether timed entries are available from 6 to 1, as it only lightly gray’s out the calendar times, but lists a # of 28 in each time block. I suspect the # of 28 is what might be available for the next day, when calling in after 5pm to check availability for next day a.m. timed entry.
If that’s not feasible, maybe X thru the unavailable 6 -1 timed entry blocks on the calendar to draw a more distinct clarification to those time slots not being available.
The note on the website about calling in after 5pm is helpful enough information to maybe enabling someone to get an early timed entry for next day a.m.

Other than that, great work on helping to make the National Park experience more enjoyable!!

by Tedunc

It’s so nice to have a site like this! 3 suggestions. When it comes to searching for dates there should be an option to select date flexibility. Along this same lines; when I put in certain dates it lists the available sites first (great!) then as I scroll down it’ll show sites that have different availabilities that aren’t a perfect match. When I click the button to “check availability” I want my dates to disappear and to only see their available dates. Or even if my dates stay, have them be a different color on the legend. Because I’d click away from my selected dates and sometimes only one or 2 dates would pop up and if I’d click on one of those dates, more dates would pop up. It must be a glitch. There should also be the option of saving sites that I’m interested in coming back to look at later. Not to reserve or hold the site, but if I’m doing a late night search I want an easy way to open up Recreationgov the next morning and find my favorite options. Hopefully these are helpful suggestions on improving Recreationgov .

by Sayheyemily

I use Recreationgov multiple times a week as I plan a cross country trip. It’s generally easy to use and extremely helpful. One complaint - I wish you could view campsites similar to how you can view they on the desktop website. I like being able to look at the entire campsite and see what spots are booked when. Helps with planning, especially when booking at a busy spot, to know what sites will be available the next morning. It would also be nice to set reminders to book lotteries and popular campsites! It’s so hard to keep track of important dates!

by Readin' Mama

Recreationgov is very user-friendly and responsive, and quicker than using the website. There are usually pictures of sites within campgrounds, which is helpful, but one improvement I would love to see is for each campsite to have its own pictures associated with its listing. The old website had these, and when the website was redone, they disappeared. We found those pictures to be extra helpful for us, since our tent doesn’t just fit anywhere, and I can imagine others would appreciate that as well in trying to find a spot that will fit their equipment.

by Whocaresabtthis!

Happy to reconnect with nature and recently discovered Recreationgov, makes it easier to search for nearby nature attractions and to be able to book in advance so you don’t have to worry about getting a camp site is a big plus! The reviews on the camp sites from past campers helps to decide which one would work for the type of visit, eg. family or friends trip, etc. These nature trips made the travel restrictions during covid an easy alternative. Thank you!

by Yrwomn

We use this to help us find our next destination often. Easy to navigate and most parks have pictures of the spots to give you an idea of what you will have waiting for you. With our access discount we usually end up spending more time in each location. Great way to find the smaller and less well known parks that are usually less crowded and still just as beautiful as the better know ones!

by Clint Arthemis Golub

While our government may not always be of, by, or for the people, these government trust public lands are our heritage and one of the most precious possessions we have as Americans. Recreationgov is very wel designed; reservations are incredibly easy to make, and more importantly, modify or cancel after the fact. You can easily enter the National Park lottos and stack reservations for fire towers here in Northern Idaho & Montana. Support your lands and our government trusts in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.🌎

by Laughterbestmedicine

A bit frustrating when booking for a weekend of a site we have used for several years and book a year in advance, we have to pay two service fees in order to get the full weekend. That is something we have had to do for several years, and for separate sites. I would love to talk to someone regarding this. We have spent lots of $$$ that is not necessary. But, love this place.

by Ghettaclue

I like this site because it is easy to use. It seems like a few new tools have been added recently too. There is now a “partially available” noted if your reservation dates just need to be tweaked by a day or two and that eliminates the guessing game that you often have to play when using other sites. Campground site maps could be a little more informative, and it would be great if more pictures were added, but I guess the adventure is out there and sometimes should be left unknown. :-)

by PTSD Dave

I can’t tell you how helpful Recreationgov has been for a guy like me who gets confused easy, is inpatient, likes to keep keep paperwork in order, doesn’t like waiting on hold and wants to know something right now.

Recreationgov is extremely efficient & effective at giving information out about a certain place, availability and location on a map. The ease of typing in a town or location you want to camp, pressing search & Recreationgov coming up with a list of places you can then look on a map in the same app is amazing & is what I love.

There might be other apps that do this or that better but Recreationgov is overall extremely easy to use. My wife and I use Recreationgov for all the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for camping reservations along with my Disabled Veterans Access Pass.

Once you make a profile and input all your info it will automatically fill it in when your ready to reserve a spot. I find Recreationgov as my go to for all my National Park needs.

by NinaFjola

I spent the lockdown year browsing through this website each night and visiting all sorts of wonderful campsites virtually through out this gorgeous big country. I love how easy it is to use and the maps with satellite viewing as well as the photos of the sites. Booking a site is super easy and now I am tent camping and Loving it - fulfilling my dreams that were created when I discovered this website! Thank you America!

by Chess Noob

Like the title says its no different from the website which says a lot. Sometimes apps are missing things you can only do from your computer but this one is spot on. I like the map view but gave Recreationgov 4 stars because I wish there was a legend telling you which campsites were available, first come or not available so you could just look at the map and not have to click on site to see its status. I’m mainly referring to available to reserve vs first come first serve campsites.

by Breezy171819

I was feeling a little anxious since a lot of sites were not available so I made a reservation without checking what my husband wanted. I made the reservation and called back 1.5 hours, after to make a change. I lost half my money because of this mistake. I understand this is my fault, but I also am just use to booking hotels where there is a ton more leeway. It’s frustrating that you don’t have any leeway with this site/app. I wish they had a better grace period. I did like the representative I spoke with but not enough to ever want to book through them again.

by Micky The Finn

Recreationgov is in desperate need of an update to function on the iPad.
The experience is terrible with a tiny window in the middle of the screen. I only went to use Recreationgov because the website refused to let me check out with Firefox. (A modern fully compliant browser)

The only good thing was that the servers remembered my cart and allowed me to complete the check out process without needing to start over.

by ErinMLS

DO NOT use Recreationgov if you are trying to book highly sought campsites. I put it in my calendar to book a campsite when it became available 6 months out and kept looking and being confused by the fact that they either weren’t available for reservation, were first come first served, or were available but when I tried to book was told it would come available at 10am. At 10am they were suddenly all fist come first serve again. All of that was wrong. I finally went to the website and all sites had already been reserved. The availability information shown was completely false and ruined a vacation I had been planning for a year. I was so excited when Recreationgov came out and now will go back to website only.

by TheStallards

I have a complaint about people reserving campsites @ Moutardier Campground, Bee Springs, KY on Nolin Lake, for the whole season and NOT SHOWING UP to use them and these sites sit empty whiles others like us can’t get a site with hook ups! They should have to cancel for dates they’re not going to use them so others can enjoy them. Thanks , sorry this is just my opinion. Tammy Stallard

by AdventHorizon

Recreationgov is useful since the website has so many issues. It took half an hour of fiddling for me to figure out that I had to enter a vehicle number of 0, and no more than 0, to make a reservation at a cabin. Recreationgov didn’t display any indication what was going on until I decreased the number of people to the minimum.

by Bob C Shaw

I have used the new app to make several reservations at a couple of COE parks, and wow what an improvement. For the most part, it’s easy to navigate and I like the way the photos and maps are integrated. I wish it could store my Golden Age Passport number, do I don’t have to keep re-entering it, but that’s minor.

by Iowaonegalippe

I have a hard time getting round in it to see campsites that are available on certain dates Just hit and miss to find a campground map or satellite view. I loved the old website of a year or too ago. When I look at owls reservations I can’t click on it to make a new reservation at same site or campground. I find it hard to navigate around and I don’t usually have that problem with website or apps. A 2 is generous.

by Campking

Recreationgov is new to me and I’m still learning to navigate and find what I’m looking for. I don’t understand the maps and numbers, but I’ll keep trying. The reservations part of Recreationgov is very friendly. Having a paper map of the campgrounds is a must while making reservations.

by Detlew

When the new app first rolled out, it was NOT ready for “Prime Time”.
It was unstable, it wouldn’t hold dates.
It wasn’t user friendly. It was easy to get lost in the rigid and cumbersome “procedures”.
Now, it has gotten better. The supporting park maps still need work. There could be more, better, and more representative photographs of the camp sites. But it is moving in a good direction.

by Jimspeaking

The system works very well over all. It needs a better map system to show location of camp sites. Some maps show camp sites out in the water of the lake. Look at Crystal Springs Park on Lake Ouachita.
If you know the camp ground your ok. If it’s a new location it hard to understand.

by Lauralynn71

Love how easy it is to find a site and I really like how it keeps my past trips so I can keep up with them !! Just wish it had a option to make notes on the past trips for future reference !! But overall love Recreationgov !

by Lv Me

Had the previous app and there’s no comparison. A lot of time and effort obviously went into the making. Nice user interface. Easy searches and quick access to current and past reservations. 👍

by Greydawb

I love camping and using the national parks a great deal thanks so much for updating Recreationgov it is extremely user-friendly the older version was very glitchy this one is so perfect you can set your filters and look for your dates and find a campground thanks again this is an awesome app

by Smclaren1955

This is an obvious evolution of the desktop version and I have been waiting a long time for this! So great to see something we needed materialize. Too hard to use my laptop on the fly and now we have it. Thank you for making this happen. Now as a suggestion can’t we get all States and Local Government parks added into Recreationgov? Sure would be and excellent “one-stop-shop” for all.

by Aaron662c

Everything has been updated and looks magnificent! You can tell they really put a lot of effort and energy on Recreationgov. Thank you!