Camp Scanner

Question 1

What sites are we scanning?

Accepted Answer

We scan for available campgrounds at National Parks, National Forests, and more. We will be adding new scan capabilities on an ongoing basis.

Question 2

How frequently does each tier scan?

Accepted Answer

Basecamp scans every 15 minutes, Trailhead every 10 minutes, and Summit every 5 minutes.

Question 3

Can I sign up for a park without a date in mind?

Accepted Answer

The system does need to know the desired arrival and departure dates. However, you can select "flexible dates" which will add one day before and after your selected dates.

Question 4

Is this connected to the Harvest Hosts app?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a completely different platform. However, if you are a Harvest Hosts Member you can use your same Harvest Hosts login information for the CampScanner site.

Question 5

Will I get texts at all hours of the day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the system will send text notifications as soon as a site becomes available which may mean the notification comes in the middle of the night. However, this is unlikely as most sites are not cancelled in the middle of the night.

Question 6

Can CampScanner book a site for me?

Accepted Answer

No, you will need to use the link provided in the notification to book directly with the campground website.

Question 7

How will I be notified?

Accepted Answer

You will be sent a text once a site becomes available that matches your criteria. You can cancel scans, which will turn off the notifications for that specific scan.

Question 8

What if I'm too late to see the notification?

Accepted Answer

No problem! We will continue to scan for your desired site until you cancel the scan.

Question 9

Why am I not getting any scans?

Accepted Answer

It's likely because there has not been a site available for your desired campground and dates yet. Please be patient as a site could become available at any moment. In some rare cases, it may be that you have provided us with the wrong phone number or email address. Please check your account to ensure we have the correct information.

Question 10

If other CampScanners sign up for the exact same scan as me, who gets priority?

Accepted Answer

CampScanners who sign up for the Summit plan will likely get a notification first since that plan includes scans every 5 minutes. It will be important that you pay attention to notifications and book the site as soon as one becomes available. That is the best way to ensure you secure your site.

Question 11

Can I edit my scan after I create it?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can edit every aspect of your scan except the location. If you want to change the location of a scan, you would need to create a new scan.

Question 12

What does “concurrent scans” mean?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the plan you purchase, you can run a certain number of scans at the same time. So if you wanted to book a site at a Grand Canyon campground but also for Yosemite, you could run both of those scans at the same time.

Question 13

Which CampScanner plan should I purchase?

Accepted Answer

The plan you select depends on both the frequency at which you camp as well as the campground where you are trying to book a site. We recommend the Summit plan for the most popular campgrounds because it allows more frequent scans so you are more likely to snag an available site.

Question 14

When creating a scan, can I use filters to better refine my scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are several filters you can use to refine your search. Here are the current filters that are available:
- ADA sites
- Vehicle Length
- Site Type: RV or Tent

Question 15

Once I receive a notification that a site is available, how long do I have to book the site?

Accepted Answer

That really depends on the demand for that particular campground. If it is a very popular campground, you likely need to book the site ASAP.

Question 16

How do I stop alerts for a scan I have created?

Accepted Answer

You can stop alerts at any time by canceling your scan. Here are step-by-step instructions of how to cancel a scan.

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How CampScanner Works

Get The Most Extraordinary Camping Spots

Bucket List Camping

Camping reservations at the most beautiful national parks are the hardest to come by. CampScanner makes it possible to camp at the parks you've always wanted to explore.

Next In Line

With CampScanner, you can be the next in line to book your dream camping trip. All you have to do is create a scan and check your notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions