Originally Posted by stevepusser

Those are special sites, almost always at a big discount, for non-motorized travelers. They can't be reserved, may only let you stay one night in busy parks, and may have time restrictions (i.e., no checkin before 4 PM, must be out by 9 AM) The ranger may turn you away if they are full. Some parks don't have special sites, instead you camp in the day-use area. (Grover Hot Springs and Cuyamaca State Parks are examples.) Most state parks along the Pacific Coast offer them, and I know most inland California state parks also offer them. They can also be found in Yosemite (backpackers' camps), Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon National Parks that I know of, probably many more. Certain San Diego County Parks offered the program years ago, discontinued it, but have reinstated it again, according to a trip journal from last winter. Finding info on that online is impossible--who knows how many other programs like this are unknown and unused.

Private campgrounds may also offer discount sites for cyclists, especially if along an ACA route, but that's also hard to find out about online.

I expect that the West Coast programs were developed by touring organizations such as the ACA or LAW, the national parks probably began as backpacker's sites. Perhaps in other parts of the country, cycling organizations can also see if they can get these programs started. It would cost nothing extra to let you put up a tent at dusk in a picnic area, use the table & showers, and then be gone early in the AM.

Back in the 80's, sites were 50 cents to a dollar, now they range from $4 to $10. The closest two beach sites to San Diego, where I live, are by far the worst on the coast in terms of noise, facilities, and foot traffic through your camp. (Doheny and San Elijo) By contrast, Cuyamaca State Park inland is wonderful, but the program is hardly ever used.