The countdown to the 2026 Summer of Soccer has officially begun, and your biggest opponent isn’t on the pitch — it’s the clock. With an estimated 5 million fans heading to North America, RVs and campsites will be the most sought-after accommodations of the year. Wait too long, and you’ll be watching the “Sold Out” sign go up faster than a breakaway goal.
Here’s your booking playbook — a timeline that keeps you ahead of the rush and ensures your soccer adventure runs smoothly.
The 12-Month Countdown: June 2025
It’s go time. The booking window is officially open.
- Book Your RV Now. The best and most affordable rentals — especially family-friendly models like bunkhouses — will be gone a year out, particularly in hot markets like Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, and Dallas. Use Outdoorsy to lock in your rig now. Wait until fall or winter and you’ll face slim pickings at steep prices.
- Research Your Campgrounds. Identify the top 2–3 campgrounds near each host city. Check their reservation policies (many private parks like KOAs open a full year in advance). If they let you book now, do it.
Action Items for June 2025:
- Finalize your travel dates and group size.
- Book your RV rental.
- Create a spreadsheet of target campgrounds with their booking windows.
The 9-Month Mark: September 2025
State parks enter the game.
Many state parks — including New York’s — use a 9-month rolling window. That means on September 11, 2025, you can snag campsites for June 11, 2026. These spots are cheaper than private parks and sell out in minutes.
Action Items for September 2025:
- Book any state park campgrounds for the early matches.
- Set calendar alerts for the rest.
The 6-Month Mark: December 2025
National parks hit the field.
Dreaming of pairing a match with a stop at Yosemite or Zion? This is the big one. National Park reservations open on Recreation.gov six months out. For example, if your stay begins June 15, 2026, booking opens December 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET. The best sites vanish in seconds, so log in early with payment info ready.
Action Items for December 2025:
- Book all National Park campgrounds for your trip.
- Have backup options ready.
The 3-Month Mark: March 2026
The final stretch.
By now, your main RV and campground reservations should be set. This is the time to tidy up the details:
- Lock in tours, attractions, or side trips.
- Watch for campground cancellations. Tools like Campflare can ping you when sites reopen.
- Hunting last-minute RVs? Options will be slim — be flexible about vehicle type and pickup location.
Final Whistle
So when should you book your RV and campsite for 2026? The answer’s simple: as early as humanly possible. Treat June 2025 as your kickoff and you’ll stay well ahead of the pack — setting yourself up for a stress-free, unforgettable Summer of Soccer.
