Camping in NP

[humunuku]

I was reading on of the metal cowboy books, he he mentions that in national parks that people who come in under their own power (eg hikers and bikers) can camp at campgrounds even if they're full ( like a special reserved section). Is this true, anyone know anything about this? is it only certain parks (he stayed in yellowstone).

[cgarch]

I think you need to check with the park you plan to land at or hope to get lucky. Not all apparently offer this accommodation. Check out this blog: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=RrzKj&page_id=119704&v=m3

[litespeed]

The only places I've known that let bicyclists in regardless are state parks in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In California there is often a hiker/biker section that lets in most everyone. But, now that you mention it, I don't ever recall being turned away from a campground in a national park. Even in Yellowstone when the park was packed I have ridden in past  "Campground Full" signs and been sold a site.

[John Nelson]

It's not always true. I've been turned away from a full National Park campground on my bike. Check the policies of the individual campground. Even then, it may depend on the host that you find there.

[daikaregi]

Hi
I have been refused in an NP at the Florida Keys too because it was booked out. Maybe if I had pushed a little, but there were other private campgrounds around.

[indyfabz]

It is correct that it depends on the park.  When I was in Yellowstone the policy was that hikers and bikers were always given spots.  In fact, in W. Yellowstone I tried to make a reservations with the company then running the campsites and they wouldn't even let me.  But that was 10 years ago, so things may have changed.  It's good to see, however, that hiker/biker sites are still only $5.

[buster]

The following is the reply from Yellowstone NP when I posed the same question.

Greetings From Yellowstone!
 
Each campground has sites that are for backpackers and bikers only.  You do not have to have reservations.
 
Thank You,
 
Linda
Yellowstone Reservations
Xanterra Parks & Resorts®

[JimF]

If you hike or bike into a National or state park and are told they're full, ask if it's OK to ask the biker/hiker occupant(s) to share. I was on a site and two separate bikers asked and I said, "Sure."  There was plenty of room, and they were good company (as most touring cyclists are.)