stickdog wrote:
My only suggestion is stop early, don't push that extra 75-100 miles. We stop early at near empty campgrounds then watch them fill up.
This is very good advice.
We've made numerous trips all over the west, for years,, months at a time. We never make reservations - but the holiday weekends are tough in popular areas. So, if you are on a tight schedule, or really, really want a specific Cg, re-think that and reserve.
Almost all national parks have surrounding national forests or BLM land. THe parks get full often in summer, but rarely do the forest and BLM lands. It depends if you want in the park, or can camp outside and travel in.
If you stop early, you will very often get a site even in busy areas. I would plan to 'take a chance' on most camping areas, and when you decide there is one you simply can't possible miss, then decide on a reservation. Reservation puts you on a schedule you can't change easily - that's the problem (besides the expense) with reserving.
Enjoy the trip - sound like a great adventure.
One note on SF -- Golden Gate Park has an unbelievable aquarium and science building. It's expensive ($27 a person?) BUT, last time I was there, policy was the first Wednesday (I think) of each month, everyone FREE. So, check that out, the free days, and it's well worth a tour, especially with kids.
