Frequently Asked QuestionsForCamp Where

Why does the “Info site” link sometimes not have much info or go to the wrong campground?

We pre-run a Google search for the campground using the name, state and some other parameters. The “Info site” is the first link that was returned by Google. In spite of our best efforts in designing this search, the first link returned is sometimes not very informative. Try using the reservation web site or phone number(s) or doing your own search if this happens. If you find a better link, send it to us. We'll include it in future versions.

If a campground does not have a feature listed (eg. flush toilets or electric hookups), does it not have them?

No, it just means we don’t have data on that feature - they may or may not have it. Use the info phone number or web link to find out more.

Do all campgrounds accept reservations?

For the most campgrounds, we now provide information about whether or not it accepts reservations. Other campgrounds may not have this data and you must call the reservation number or click the reservation link to find out. We will continue to increase the campground-specific reservation information in future versions.

Why do you show two phone numbers for National Forest campgrounds?

The first is the District office, the second is the Forest office. Please try the District office first. Also keep in mind these are offices, so call before 4:30 PM.

How do I know if a campground is open?

We only have opening and closing dates for some campgrounds. If one does not have seasonal data, use the info links or call ahead. State Parks tend to have longer seasons than Federal; many have at least a few loops open all year.

How do I get directions to a campground?

Touch “Directions”, then, in the “start” field, touch the “book” icon and then “contacts” will come up then touch your current location. Note that this will only work if you are connected to the internet. If you have purchased the Navigon App, Camp Where can launch it to provide directions while offline.

Does Camp Where work while offline?

All campground information is stored in the app. The only features that require an internet connection are the directions, weather, and suggestions. The main map view will always plot all campgrounds, but once zoomed in enough the background will become a grid. Your device can cache the map data (to an extent) if you browse an area while still online. It is also possible to use our coordinate data with your stand-alone GPS device to get directions.

What if I don’t have a phone number and I am on the road?

If the campground has an office you may be able to get a number from phone directory services. If you know the park name and a town nearby, try dialing 1-800-FREE-411.

Why don’t you have privately-owned campgrounds?

There are other directory services that focus on privately-owned campgrounds and that are equipped to deal with the advertising and other commercial and competitive concerns of private operations.

How accurate are your campground coordinates?

We have found that there are many errors in the even the best available coordinate data, even directly from governmental sources. Therefore, we verify the location of every campground by electronically projecting each campground onto a USGS map and looking for indications of a campground at that location. We do not list ones we cannot verify. We aim to have our coordinates on the correct road and within 1,000 feet of the campground. From there you may need to rely on signs or other information to find the campground entrance.

Will you be improving your campground information?

Improvements to both the software and database is ongoing. If you like this Camp Where version, come back next spring and you'll get the next version of Camp Where with its updated database, for free.

How reliable is your information?

We verify as much of our data as possible, but you should still contact the park to double check. Always call ahead, if possible, to make sure that the campground is open and has sites available.

Do you have any camping tips?

You should plan ahead where possible. Try uscampgrounds.info for planning, it uses the same database as Camp Where. Get reservations if you can, we have phone numbers and links to reservations systems. Always call the campground for more information. If you call a National Forest or BLM number, you'll have better luck reaching someone before 4:30 PM and on weekdays.

What RV data do you have?

We have basic hookup information (electric, water, sewer) for most campgrounds and maximum RV length for some. You can use our interactive maps to locate RV campgrounds, but you might want to use our data together with another directory that has more extensive RV information. Of course, we do not include private campgrounds as some other directories do.

If I use the “Suggestion” button, will you actually use it?

We consider every suggestion you send us. Maintaining such a large database of campground information is difficult, and we appreciate any corrections or comments. Please help us provide you and others with more accurate campground information.

What is the Big Nerd Ranch?

Since 2001, Big Nerd Ranch has been creating elegant software solutions. We also help people learn to create their own mobile apps through our bootcamps, corporate training sessions, and programming books. We provide consultative services, shaping clients' mobile strategies and developing fresh and engaging mobile and desktop applications.

What if I have a thoughtful and constructive suggestion?

You can email us at campwhere@bignerdranch.com.