I have recently heard from a few people that you can just show up in Cinque Terre and easily find an inexpensive stay without making a reservations. They stated that there would people along the trails or roads with signs indicating that they have a bed.

I am planning on going here with my wife on June 16 and wondering if this would be true even in the busy season.

Does anyone have any advice on this?

Thanks

June is a very popular month..You still have time to make the reservations..Good luck..
I love CT, going back in September.

Great place to be during the summer.
I am a college student and went to CT in June a few years back.
Before leaving, i booked a "villa" in Vernazza, but upon arrival my group (4 people in my family) discovered that the villa was about 2 miles at least up a very steep steep hill. So we canceled that and asked around in Vernazza. We checked out a few apartments and rooms, but didn't like any of them due to the price, amenitites, or room quality, so somehow we ended up in Monterosso.
We had no hotel, no room, no reservation and it was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon. We walked into the nature/visitor center near the train stop and told them our situation. Then, the very nice local woman who was working there called a friend on the spot and found us a place to stay. It was a quaint little apartment with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, washer/dryer, and a little balcony about 5 minutes from the main road. The place was definately a higher price because it was on the spot, but tolerable to have a place to stay for the night. I'm not positive, but I think the price was around $150 per night.
It definately was high stress, but a great adventure non the less. I'm not sure if this was a one-time lucky mishap, but from the sound of it, it may be that this is the way to go in CT!!
Hope this helps! Can't wait to hear your trip report

When i was last in the 5 Terre a year ago there were warning signs up from the local tourist offices about using the services of these touts and the types of places you may end up

I do not know if this was some kind of cartel - regular hotels complaining about unauthorized competitors or not or if the warnings were justified.

And you may have to stay for a few days if arriving on say Thurs or Fri - one day weekend stays are often frowned upon in places like these.

I wouldn't count on luck