What are Online Guest Reservations? Guest Reservations is a handy feature that lets your customers book and pay for their stay right from your website. It's like having a 24/7 booking desk!

OpenCampgrounds previous platform used the term "Remote Reservations". We've updated the term to "Online Reservations" to make the term more universally recognizable 

Why Use Guest Reservations?

1. Save time: Guests can book reservations without calling you
2. Get paid faster: Guests can pay right away with a credit or debit card
3. Fill more spots: People can book anytime, even when you're closed

How to Set It Up:

1. Go to "Admin"
   
   • Click on Settings
   • Choose the tab "Reservation Options
2. Check the box "Allow Online Reservations"
   
3. Copy your the Booking Link
   
1. You can take this url and embed it in a button on your website or a link for your Guests to click on
4. Choose Payment Settings
   
   • Decide how you want guests to pay:
     
     • Reservations Require Payment (Guests are required to make a payment to book the reservation) This option requires a Merchant Account, please see this article 
       
     • Reservations Allow Payment (Guests aren't required to make a payment to book a reservation)
     • No online payments allowed (Guests cannot use their credit card when booking a reservation) 
5. Save Your Changes
   
   • Click "Save Changes"
6. Put the Link on Your Website
   
   • Give the link to whoever manages your website
   • Ask them to add it as a "Book Now" button
7. Test It Out
   
   • Go to your website
   • Click the booking link
   • Try making a test reservation to make sure it works

We recommend that you review your Email Messages to ensure that your Guests are informed before and after their stay. 

If you chose the Require Payment option, and you have a Merchant Account with OpenCampground, please consider the following steps

1. While in Settings, click on the tab "Payment Configuration"
   
2. Choose the option "Priority Payments (Online and Office)" 
   
3. Next you'll want to customize the description of your Sites so that Guests can learn more about what they're booking
   
1. Click on the tab "Spaces" and click on each site to add a description about the site or space. 
   
4. Add information about your Facility, Cancellation Policy, Rules, and Directions
   
1. Click on the tab "Online Explanations" and fill information that will be helpful for the guest during their stay
   
5. (optional) Upload a map of your site.
   
1. Click on the tab "System Options" and upload a custom map

• Make sure your available sites and prices are up to date
• Check your email often for new bookings

By setting up Guest Reservations, you're making it easier for people to book with you. This can help you get more customers and make managing your property easier!