On Hipcamp, you will find properties that are owned and managed by Hosts, bookable directly on our site; and listings that are public campgrounds, owned and managed by the federal or state government, that are not bookable through Hipcamp.
Bookable on Hipcamp
Properties owned and managed by private landowners, which we call Hosts, are bookable directly through Hipcamp. Hosts list their properties on Hipcamp and "rent" it out to Hipcampers on a nightly basis. All payment goes directly through Hipcamp, and then to the Host after a booking has passed.
Hipcampers are also able to communicate with Hosts on Hipcamp directly via the "Contact host" button on each property and site page.
Not bookable on Hipcamp
Public campgrounds -- those located within state and national parks -- are owned by the state or federal government are not yet bookable through Hipcamp. We hope to allow booking down the road as government data about our parks is becoming increasingly more open and accessible.
While we are not affiliated with these campgrounds, we show them on Hipcamp as a way for Hipcampers to see as many listings as possible in any given area. Hipcampers can contact the state or national park directly via the phone numbers provided on these listing pages with any booking-related questions.
How can you tell the difference on Hipcamp?
When you're on a listing page, public campgrounds will appear differently.
If they are first come, first served they will not show an availability calendar or any booking options. See an example below.
If they are only bookable through the government website, the Listing page will give the option to check availability and get notified of availability. See an example below.
You are able to set up an alert so you are notified when a public campsite becomes available for your dates. Read more here: What are Hipcamp Alerts?