How full are the Albergues in June on the Frances?

[steppingpono]

We will be heading out on June 2nd from Burgos to Astorga - how busy is it this year(2015)? Should we consider booking Albergues ahead of the time or just take our chances - we prefer private Albergues because they are smaller but also like the freedom of just walking and trusting that "the camino will provide". If its best to book how far ahead would you suggest? Thanks & Buen Camino.

 

[NoQ]

No need to book, and in many cases you can't book. Just aim to arrive by 2 pm on some of the busier stretches, such as O Cebreiro if you want to stay there. Plus, there's usually plenty of other accommodation and then sports halls and church porches..

 

[Anniesantiago]

We just had a post from an AMOC pilgrim who is presently on the Camino.
He has resorted to calling ahead and booking every night.
I think it just depends whether you are walking in "a wave" of pilgrims or not.
I would go, then decide.

 

[steppingpono]

Thanks for the info so far - I have found it easy to get in touch by email or phone and reserve in private Albergues. Last year I met an Aussie couple on their 4th Frances (wish I had been smart enough then to get their contact info) - she had compiled a great list of their preferred Albergues - there are absolute gems out there - and she booked it all from Australia months ahead. I get that "walking in waves" bit and also how there is much to learn in trusting that there will be a bed - perhaps we will book for the first couple of nights(with jetlag - will need a good bed), feel it out and go on from there.
Buen Camino
P.S. Anniesantiago - what is an AMOC pilgrim?

 

[Anniesantiago]

American Pilgrims on the Camino APOC - sorry, I transposed the letters

 

[Deleted member 3000]

she had compiled a great list of their preferred Albergues

The list is long.

My shorter list is the ones I would never return to:
Albergue Os, Boente, but that is after your planned stage.

There are many unique albergues. You can find them without someone else's list.