Expert: Steve Summers - 12/30/2009

Question
Hi Steve! I hope the holidays have left you happy, healthy, and wise! I have missed out the last 2 summers camping at my fav spot, Carpinteria. I'm asking your opinion on the best way to reserve the site we want. We are open to dates July 13-30, and like to tent camp in Anacapa for 6-7 days. Would I have a better chance at a camping spot with just a date range and see what comes up? Or try for the specific site we want? I am so stressed for Jan 2 2010 8am! I am going through Carp withdrawls!
Thanks for your guidance!
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

I'm pretty happy and healthy, but not so sure about my wisdom! LOL

I believe you'll have the best chance to get your site by using a date range. Narrow down your site choices to Anacapa only, and synchronize your watch or computer clock to match the national time (www.time.gov). Have a site and date in mind, and click right at the stroke of 8:00. If your site/time is not available, do your best to try to have a secondary site or set of dates in mind. And remember, you can get different sites as long as you don't stay more than 7 days in a row. I've seen LOTS of people move from one site to another, throwing their tent and belongings in a truck (or on TOP of a car). Anyway, do your site search no sooner than 7:50. If you go before that, you can "time out", and have to start all over, wasting precious time.

GOod luck!