(Stay calm. There’s a right way to handle it—and a wrong one.)

You roll into camp, tired from the drive, dreaming of kicking back by the fire…
Only to find someone else is parked in your site.
The picnic table’s taken.
There’s a rig in the spot you booked.
And now you're stuck.

So what do you do?

😠 First of All… Don’t Blow a Gasket

Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, it’s wrong.
But yelling or threatening someone won’t help—and could make things worse.

Most of the time, it’s a simple mistake:

  • They read the map wrong

  • Someone told them to “just grab whatever’s open”

  • They were trying to get away with squatting

✅ Step-by-Step: What You Should Do

1. Double-check your reservation

Make sure you’ve got the right site number and date. Simple mix-ups happen.

2. Don’t confront them (yet)

If someone’s in your spot, avoid getting into an argument right away. It’s better to go through the proper channels.

3. Call or visit the campground office

Let the host or ranger handle it. They have the authority—and they might already know there’s an issue.

4. Ask for a temporary spot (if it’s late)

If the office is closed or it’s dark, ask the squatter nicely if they mind moving—or see if there’s a nearby open site you can use for the night. Then talk to staff in the morning.

5. Document it if needed

If you’re worried about being blamed, take a quick photo of the situation and save your reservation confirmation.

🤔 What If There’s No Staff Around?

At some first-come, first-served or self-check-in campgrounds, it can be tricky.

  • Leave a note on the rig explaining the situation

  • Park nearby if possible, and claim your spot early the next morning

  • Stay calm and patient—most campers don’t want drama and will move if asked nicely

🧠 Can You Call the Police?

Only if it becomes a serious issue (harassment, threats, or damage). This is almost never needed at a campground. Let staff or park rangers take the lead first.

💬 Final Thoughts

Someone parking in your spot is annoying—but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
Be calm, be kind, and let the campground handle it whenever possible.

🐟 Want to see your site before arrival?

With Campground Views, you can take a virtual tour and preview the layout before you even pull in.
Know where to go—and what to expect.

🔗 Follow us for campsite tips, booking hacks, and real-world advice for life on the road.

Because peace of mind starts before you park.