California State Parks Release New User-Friendly Reservation System

By Bryan Holt September 5, 2017

Whether you fancy the pristine privacy of hammock camping in the Redwoods or seek the sound of waves lapping against the shore, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has some great news for you. In August, California State Parks launched a new user-friendly reservation system — ReserveCalifornia — which allows visitors to easily reserve campground and lodging arrangements six months in advance.

The department previously booked through ReserveAmerica. The nationwide service only offers reservations in block dates at the beginning of each month, so it made things a little tricky.

Now, thanks to ReserveCalifornia’s rolling window format, you can simply go online to lock up your favorite cabin in Yosemite National Park, lodging along the always-interesting Highway 395, or one of the hard-to-snag cottages at Crystal Cove State Park — with exact dates and times, six months in advance of the current date. For example, on September 5, you can reserve a site for a stay that begins March 5.

yosemite valley — Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are still be processing fees, but they’re reasonable. Camping reservations cost $7.99 (previously $8 on ReserveAmerica), while tours are now $3.99 per ticket (previously $3.48). The new system will also roll out some handy features between now and March 2018, including interactive maps and an additional 41 California State Parks to choose from (the service currently features 110).

For those of you who already have reservations with ReserveAmerica, parks spokesman Jorge Moreno says those spots are still valid, however your account will not automatically transfer to ReserveCalifornia for future reservations. Moving forward, you can create an account on the new website using the same email address.

You can make ReserveCalifornia reservations online or via the phone by calling (800) 444-7275 any time between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, except Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day.

Happy Hiking and camping!

Editors' Recommendations

This clever hack bypasses Yosemite’s complicated new reservation system

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…

Outdoors

Camper van vs Class B RV: How to choose which to buy for your outdoor adventures

Class B RV vs Camper Van - who ya got?

Man building a campfire in front of a Winnebago Ekko Springer camper van.

If you would love to go on road trips and experience the best national parks, there is no better way to do it and still feel comfortable like you’re at home than camping in an RV. Let’s be honest: You will enjoy sleeping on a cozy bed in an RV with an air conditioner more than in a moist and chilly tent. It’s also easier to prepare your meals in an RV because of the refrigerator, and you don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking your camping bags every night or morning.

However, the big RVs can be a headache if you're driving through low-hanging bridges or tight spaces. They’re also more expensive to fuel and maintain compared to smaller-size vehicles. Alternatively, you could choose a Class B RV or a camper van if prefer an RV that strikes a balance between rural camping and big-city adventure. But the question is — what’s the difference between a Class B RV and a camper van? And which one should you buy?
A Class B motorhome is built with all the camping amenities

Outdoors

Coast’s all-new Model 1 solar electric trailer is a luxe, off-grid-ready stunner

Sleek and luxurious, with a solar power system designed to run almost indefinitely off-grid.

Coast Model 1 solar electric travel trailer/RV parked near a pond.

The last decade has seen an explosion in tech innovation in the RV and travel trailer industry. With batteries and mobile solar setups getting cheaper, better, and more ubiquitous, many of today's recreational vehicles are finally capable of keeping up with the demands of today's tech-obsessed travelers. Case in point: Coast's all-new Model 1. It's a solar-powered travel trailer designed to take you just about anywhere without having to leave your gadgets behind.
Get the details on Coast's Model 1 solar electric trailer

From afar, the exterior of the Model 1 has the same recognizable silhouette as many of today's premium travel trailers. But, decked in jet black or two-tone black-on-white (it's also available in all white), it feels sleeker, more modern, more ... premium. The glossy shell appears vaguely futuristic, a hint of the solar-heavy tech that lies beneath. The genuine composite structure is made by, in Coast's words, "combining differing fully recyclable, re-purposable, and environmentally friendly natural components [that are] virtually waterproof."

Outdoors

Camping hacks: Is Vaseline the secret to an incredible campfire?

Want a great campfire? Pack vaseline

A campfire.

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a versatile product widely used for everything from skin care to squeaky hinges. But did you know that it can also be a great fire starter? Getting that fire started is a crucial skill for camping enthusiasts for warmth, cooking, and campsite ambiance. This fire starting hack is one that seasoned campers swear by. Is this common household item the ticket to an incredible campfire? Here's everything you need to know.
How to use Vaseline to start your campfire

At its core, Vaseline is a blend of mineral oils and waxes, which creates a semi-solid jelly-like substance. Its primary use is as a skin protectant, but its highly flammable properties make it an excellent accelerant for fire starting. When applied to a suitable medium that can hold and slowly release the jelly (like cotton balls), it burns more steadily and for a longer duration, making it just the trick to get your campfires going.