Luck of the Slot: Group Camp Lotteries and Charging for Applications

In outdoor recreation, few resources are as sought after as the perfect group campsite or hunting unit. When the demand for a handful of coveted sites outstrips supply, park systems face a challenging question: how can access be allocated fairly, efficiently, and sustainably?

Brandt recently worked with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) to implement their first Group Camp Lottery. This approach creates equitable opportunities, drives system revenue, and increases public awareness of coveted resources.

Leveling the Playing Field

Traditional reservation systems often operate on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. For special circumstances, FCFS can unintentionally favor people with flexible schedules or fast internet connections. Users cannot always take time off work to make a booking at 10 AM, which means they may miss out on high-demand locations.

This supplemental lottery process provides an equal opportunity regardless of when a user can log in. Lotteries also provide a clearer picture of demand and help agencies understand how strongly customers value specific sites.

The Power of the Application Fee

Introducing a modest application fee of $25 achieved two important outcomes:

• It increased participant commitment. Applicants who paid the fee were far more likely to complete their booking if selected.
• It generated additional revenue without raising rental rates or adding new infrastructure. At IDPR’s Lionhead Group Camp sites, the application fees produced the equivalent of ten extra rental nights. That additional revenue was achieved without expanding facilities or increasing the load on staff.

Lessons from the Field: Idaho’s Group Camp Lottery

The pilot group camp lottery program included three popular group camp locations (based on non-resident prices):

• Lionhead at Priest Lake State Park: 1 cabin and 12 RV sites with full hookups, accommodating up to 50 guests at $650 per night.
• Bear Lake 100 and 101: Beachfront, primitive group sites, each accommodating up to 50 guests at an average of $310 per night.

Applicants were allowed to apply multiple times for different dates or locations. This flexibility was appreciated by customers but created new challenges in managing the process.

The lottery results confirmed that demand was very high. Lionhead received 22 successful applications and 235 unsuccessful ones, including one participant who submitted eight applications. Across all three sites, more than 350 applications were received for only 58 available slots.

Design Smart Lotteries

To build a lottery system that is clear, efficient, and fair, focus on the practices that set participants and administrators up for success.

• Simplify selections. Use fixed date ranges so applicants can choose quickly and staff can manage timelines without extra coordination.
• Consolidate applications. Group multiple sites within a park into a single application so applicants understand their options clearly and avoid unnecessary confusion.
• Centralize group contacts. Ask groups to appoint one representative to submit on behalf of everyone so communication stays organized and consistent.
• Open early. Launch the lottery ahead of peak season so you minimize placeholder reservations and keep site availability accurate.

These practices create a balanced process that supports fairness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

A New Model for Demand-Driven Recreation

For park systems, recreation departments, and tourism agencies, lotteries can serve as more than an access tool. They gather customer information, participation interest, strengthen engagement, and create incremental value without adding infrastructure.

By analyzing customer lottery data, agencies gain valuable insight into who applies, how often, and what they are willing to invest for access. This information can inform future decisions about capacity, pricing, and resource allocation.

Programs like these are opportunities to elevate equity and data-driven decision-making in public recreation. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation program demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and communication, lotteries can become an effective tool for smarter park management.

As outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity, demand pressures will only increase. By combining fairness, data, and strategic pricing, recreational agencies can modernize access management and build stronger connections with their visitors.

The future of public access is fair, informed, and sustainable.