Comparison
OpenCampsite is a Campnab alternative for supported US and Canadian campgrounds. Campnab charges for scans or memberships; OpenCampsite's free beta access covers 3 trips at a time, up to 6 campgrounds each with no card required; paid plans for faster checks or more trips are planned after beta. Both services notify you about openings so you can book on the official reservation site. Start with your exact campground, then compare the costs and features below.
Reviewed by OpenCampsite · competitor facts checked September 9, 2026
Find the exact campground and reservation type in our supported campground directory. Coverage and filters differ between services.
Set a stay you can use, then verify your email or phone. OpenCampsite offers text, email, or both on each alert, plus optional browser notifications.
Creating an OpenCampsite alert does not move or cancel a Campnab scan or subscription. Review your existing scans and billing in Campnab itself.
| Campnab | OpenCampsite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Pay-per-use scans $10–$20 each (by check frequency), or memberships $10–$30/month | Free during beta. Check our pricing page for planned paid plans. |
| Free tier | None — no free scans and no free trial (per their FAQ) | 3-trip free beta access with no card required |
| Active alerts | Per scan purchased, or by membership tier | 3 trips at a time, up to 6 campgrounds each during beta — pause or finish a trip to start another |
| Notifications | Text messages and optional email | Text, email, or both on each alert; optional browser notifications for all your alerts |
| Coverage | US + Canada: Recreation.gov, ReserveAmerica, ReserveCalifornia, many state systems, Ontario Parks, BC Parks, Parks Canada, plus niche county/utility systems | Supported US and Canadian campgrounds across Recreation.gov, ReserveCalifornia, Ontario Parks, BC Parks, Parks Canada, and other systems. Check the current coverage directory for your exact location. |
| Planning information | A park directory and booking guides | Published daily — see the most-watched campgrounds |
| Auto-booking | No — you book on the official reservation site | No — you book on the official reservation site |
| Getting started | Buy a scan or membership on their site | No separate signup or password — verify your email or phone to create an alert |
Campnab facts checked against the official sources below on September 9, 2026. Pricing and coverage can change — trust those sources over this table. If you spot something out of date, email hey@opencampsite.com and we'll fix it.
We use Campnab's own public pages for competitor claims.
Campnab's site and equipment filters, permit scans, and different coverage may suit your trip. If it watches a location or supports a filter you need that we do not, use the service that fits. Start by comparing the exact campground in both directories — check our coverage to see what we watch today, and request anything missing.
01
Look up the campground or permit in our coverage directory. A provider being supported does not mean every location or reservation type is available.
Check coverage02
Create an alert for a stay you can use. Choose text, email, or both on each alert, verify each contact, and enable browser notifications separately if you want them.
Create a free beta alert03
When matching availability appears, confirm the site and finish the reservation on the provider's website. Pause the alert when your trip is booked.
Understand cancellation timingFor a practical example, see our Yosemite cancellation alerts guide or Ontario Parks booking guidance. Still ahead of release day? Calculate the reservation date.
Yes. OpenCampsite is free during beta for 3 trips at a time, up to 6 campgrounds each, with no card required. Check the coverage directory for your campground. This is beta access, not a promise of permanently free paid-plan features. Campnab's FAQ says there is no free trial, and its paid scans start at $10.
No. Campnab's own FAQ says they don't offer free trials; pricing is pay-per-use scans ($10–$20 depending on check frequency) or memberships from $10 to $30 per month (checked September 9, 2026).
Campnab offers exact-site and equipment filters, paid scans or memberships, and campground and permit coverage that differs from ours. It can be the better fit when it supports the precise location or filter your trip needs. Compare the actual campground and reservation type before choosing either service.
Start with the official notification if it fits your search. Recreation.gov and Ontario Parks, for example, offer availability alerts. Compare your campground, dates, notification channels, and active-alert limits before paying for another tool. No notification holds the campsite for you.
Check that OpenCampsite supports your exact campground and reservation type, then compare your dates, stay length, equipment needs, and notification channels. Create and verify your new alert before deciding what to do with an existing scan. OpenCampsite does not import Campnab scans or cancel a Campnab subscription for you.
We have not run a controlled speed comparison and do not claim to beat Campnab to an opening. Detection and delivery depend on the booking system, the service's current checks, and your notification channel. Compare supported locations and features rather than assuming that a price or scan label guarantees the first alert.
Pick a campground, choose your dates and channels, and we'll notify you when a cancellation or new opening matches. Free while we're in beta.
Comparing other tools too? See all of our campsite-alert comparisons.