Early access lottery for a camping permit

[Calico]

Perhaps I'm overreacting, but I think it's ridiculous to say we lose 'by chance' while applying for permission to camp somewhere (specifically, I was looking up Yellowstone National Park's permit information). I won't feel as bad if they tell me the quota is full for the period I want to apply for. Is there any benefit to early application?

 

[Noctis]

I once tried to apply during the early access period and the campsites were sold out. When we arrived, there was only one group other than us. Did so many people really cancel their plans? I think the process needs to be reviewed and made more straightforward.

 

[Cass]

I suppose the benefit is that you get to pick your reservation dates earlier than non-winners. So you'd have your choice of dates before they're snatched up. I wouldn't go for it, but I can see why some do. Which reservation system would you prefer instead, @Calico?

 

[Calico]

The early access lottery doesn't sound much different than starting a regular sale session with a first-come-first-serve format. I imagine removing an additional booking period will be easier on the system, so we can prevent empty campsites like Noctis said.