modbender RIDB Search
Search recreation.gov's database for campgrounds and facilities near a location.
Setup
Requires a free RIDB API key:
- Go to https://ridb.recreation.gov/profile
- Sign up and generate an API key
- Set environment variable:
export RIDB_API_KEY=your_key_here
Usage
Search by location name (auto-geocodes):
python scripts/search.py --location "Bend, OR" --radius 50
python scripts/search.py -l "Yosemite Valley" -r 25 --camping-only
Search by coordinates:
python scripts/search.py --lat 44.0582 --lon -121.3153 --radius 50
Options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
--location, -l |
Location name to geocode (e.g., "Bend, OR") |
--lat |
Latitude (use with --lon) |
--lon |
Longitude (use with --lat) |
--radius, -r |
Search radius in miles (default: 50) |
--limit |
Max results (default: 50) |
--camping-only |
Filter to camping facilities |
--reservable-only |
Filter to reservable facilities |
--json |
Output JSON (for programmatic use) |
Output
Human-readable (default):
📍 Geocoded 'Bend, OR' to 44.0582, -121.3153
Found 23 facilities within 50 miles
------------------------------------------------------------
🏕️ Tumalo State Park
ID: 234567 | ✅ Reservable
Org: Oregon State Parks
URL: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234567
JSON output (--json):
{
"query": {"latitude": 44.0582, "longitude": -121.3153, "radius_miles": 50},
"total_count": 23,
"facilities": [
{
"id": "234567",
"name": "Tumalo State Park",
"reservable": true,
"url": "https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234567"
}
]
}
Notes
- RIDB contains federal recreation data; some state/private campgrounds may not be listed
- The
idfield is the campground ID used for availability checks on recreation.gov - Radius is in miles (RIDB native unit)
- Geocoding uses OpenStreetMap/Nominatim (free, no key required)