Yuk to some of the popular destinations

Heartily agree!

I don't think it's (just) because I'm old and cranky though. We've never enjoyed large crowds. We much prefer being out in the woods, even if we are at a developed campground and have to drive every day to get there.

I just prefer people when they're fewer and further between...

No, you are not the "only" cranky old guy who hates many of the places most people love to go too? I'm in your campground there with you on this one!

When our kids were still in school, we were constantly camping at the fast and furious places. The kids seemed to push us in that direction. In order to keep the kids happy, they had to have constant activity, constantly doing something, constantly SPENDING MONEY SOMEWHERE! But that does not mean we (the parents), enjoyed the hustle and bustle places.

Move forward in time, the kids are grown now, and for several years went their own way. We started picking less hustle and bustle locations and events for our camping pleasure. The last "rat race" place we camped at was Panama City, Florida (during Spring Break season). That was a few years ago. Actually, we don't mind established campgrounds and State Parks. We prefer State Parks over Private Campgrounds any day. But we are no just as content as ever to sit around the fire and vegetate.

Now, my son moved back home about 4 years ago and he and our (now) 5 year old grandson live with us. The schedule for visitation between Mom and Dad has now shifted and we have the opportunity for both of them to camp with us again. We're attempting to train the grandson different this go round. We're staying with State Parks, and we turn the son and grandson loose. He usually drives his own car along the two of them can be as active as they want. We continue to vegetate and enjoy the slower pace. But we are not selecting parks in the middle of craziness any more. We pay the way, we choose where we go. They want to come along, they get what they get! It's now that simple!

Yea, we enjoy a nice walk down an interesting trail opposed to a Theme Park any day!

You must be getting on up there in age. I recognize it because I am too and I agree with you, when I was younger I went to may of the places you referenced, however I really don’t care much to do so anymore. I do like to sleep in my own bed as I visit kids, grandkids, siblings etc, around the country.

Yep. You are out on the fringes. Me too. Let's keep it that way. Funnel all the folks into the tourist traps, while a few of us enjoy the boonies. ;)

Just to prove your point, we live in Calif. with 40 million folks, and yet we are often camped many miles from the nearest neighbor. Not many people like being stuck out in the middle of nowhere for days on end, with nothing to do but hiking.

But we do.

Not at all. I feel the same way but my wife and I avoid crowded venues anyway. We 99% camp disbursed. I live in the country and for a reason. Don't want or like neighbors. Same applies to a campground.