Pre-planning for first long duration trip upon retirement

bgum wrote:
Don't tie your selves down with a schedule.

That's much harder to do these days, especially if you want to go to the more popular state parks, which tend to book up far in advance.

You don't need to pre-book every night, but you'll probably need to map out a general schedule for some of the more significant stops so you can reserve a spot in advance. Things *might* get better next year, but I think it'll take a few years for the crowds to subside.