Forum Discussion

Honeybee8888's avatar
Honeybee8888
Explorer
Jun 08, 2018

August Crowds?

I'm planning our trip for August this year (can't go in September as we have in the past.) Can anyone share, have you been to big touristy places (specifically Yellowstone NP) in August, and if so, is it 1) brutally crowded and 2) very hot? Also, what about northern California-- such as Shasta and Lassen? We have more than a month and want to spend it out west, but I'm hoping to avoid the heat a little bit, and I'm worried about the crowds-- we tend to travel without advance reservations. Northern California is still on my "to visit" list; we had a fabulous time in Yellowstone in September without any problems camping, but I'm worried August is more of a problem. Don't need hookups, so any advice would be appreciated. And also any less well-known destinations!

Thanks--
Debbie
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2018
    Yellowstone last August was absolutely great. Yes, some parts are crowded such as the geyser basins, but the weather is fantastic.

    I highly recommend the buffet at the Inn.

    We stayed at Henry's Lake CG (West side) for the first half, then moved to Headwaters at Flagg Ranch, near south entrance>
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2018
    Oregon and Washington coast....not hot in August (or ever). Beautiful time to visit...BUT
    Crowded? Yes. Might be easier to get a front row seat at a Rolling Stones concert than a site at one of the coastal state parks.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2018
    Yellowstone in August? Good luck finding a place to stay within a hundred miles. CA? Central valley can be in the hundreds daily. Big tourist places? Again good luck getting in. Some places place limits on the number of people allowed in each day. I think without reservations I would skip them all this year, and look for places less traveled.

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