As any RV and outdoor enthusiast can tell you, hitting the road on a spontaneous camping trip is part of the excitement and fun of having an RV. But have you ever arrived at a campground without a reservation, hoping to secure a campsite on a first come, first served basis? With the influx of RVers in the past few years, finding any open campsite at the last minute seems next to impossible. But luckily, there’s still hope for all you off-the-cuff campers: The Recreation.gov mobile app has just launched a feature called Scan & Pay, allowing you to claim a campsite and make a payment directly from your mobile device upon your arrival.

Save Time and Hassle

You won’t have to wait in line, carry cash, or write a check to secure your camping spot. With Scan & Pay, the process is now easier and more convenient than ever before at select campgrounds. All you need to do is place your camping equipment down at an open site, head to a designated kiosk, and use your phone’s camera to scan the unique QR code for that campground. This innovative technology allows you to pay for your campsite right on the spot, eliminating the need for physical transactions or visits to fee tubes.

No Cell Service Required

One of the best things about Scan & Pay is its offline functionality. Camping in remote areas often means you’ll have little to no cell service. Fortunately, even when you find yourself disconnected from the online world, Scan & Pay still enables you to make a payment offline. Once you regain internet access (say, if you run into town for some supplies), the app will process your transaction seamlessly, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Ecologically Friendly

The benefits of Scan & Pay extend beyond convenience. By utilizing this feature, you contribute to a more sustainable camping experience. The reduction of paper-based payment methods, 

such as writing checks and processing paper receipts, aligns with the broader goal of minimizing our collective ecological footprint. With the Recreation.gov mobile app and Scan & Pay, you can enjoy the great outdoors while also promoting environmental stewardship.

Please note that Scan & Pay is currently available at select campgrounds. To see a list of participating locations, be sure to download the Recreation.gov mobile app for the most up-to-date information.

Is this a feature you would use for camping? Let us know why or why not in the comments below or contact us today!