Why do openings for campsites on the White Rim Trail fill instantly?l

[24 TRD OR]

Yesterday was the day to make reservations if you want to camp on the WRT next spring. I was able to get the sites I wanted for the days I wanted, so I'm not complaining, but curious, really. I was all set before 8am MST. I just needed to make one click and I would be able to make my pick. I watched the time on the computer and as soon as it displayed 8am I opened the reservation page and at least 80% were already taken. How?I'm no tech guru, so I don't understand what disadvantage I would need to overcome if I wanted to plan another trip in the future. No slow dial up and the computer I have is fast. I feel really lucky to have gotten what I wanted. Any insight would be appreciated. It may help other forum members to have a fighting chance.

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[Mtnbikes]

I don’t have the answer, but what I do know is it has gotten ridiculous. I’ve been camping for over 30 years and have not seen it this bad. I use to call the night before or in some cases just show up and could easily get a site at one of our state parks. This is not the case anymore. Now you have to book months in advance and be flexible with a plan B.

 

[Pappy]

Simple. It's a popular place. Just like the Needles in Canyonlands. When my wife and I honeymooned on the White Rim we walked in for the permit. Shoot, I don't even remember getting a permit. But, that was in 1988.

 

[24 TRD OR]

Am I paranoid or is the use of bots or other software being used to get these bookings? I mean it was literally 2 seconds after 8am and it was literally over 80% reserved. I get it is more competitive now than it was back in the day, but it takes more than 2 seconds to make a selection and press "book now" so that it's no longer available. I can't help but feel like it's a little bit rigged. Not by the NPS, but by those booking the reservations. Again, I got mine, so I can't really complain. Just sharing a concern.

 

[Appalachian Taco]

Yesterday was the day to make reservations if you want to camp on the WRT next spring. I was able to get the sites I wanted for the days I wanted, so I'm not complaining, but curious, really. I was all set before 8am MST. I just needed to make one click and I would be able to make my pick. I watched the time on the computer and as soon as it displayed 8am I opened the reservation page and at least 80% were already taken. How?I'm no tech guru, so I don't understand what disadvantage I would need to overcome if I wanted to plan another trip in the future. No slow dial up and the computer I have is fast. I feel really lucky to have gotten what I wanted. Any insight would be appreciated. It may help other forum members to have a fighting chance.

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