Starting early planning for 2016 Yosemite/Sequoia 30th anniversary trip for my wife and I, wanting some feed back of a subject that has been beat to death, If I camp in normal campgrounds I don't worry about getting a spot, how hard will it be to drive up and get a camp spot in these two parks, I can adjust my arrival time where I get to Yosemite ( the hardest to get a spot I imagine ) on a Monday.we are staying 5 days in each park.some of you guys/gals that camp in these two parks often give me your thoughts and must see things.I can go from April to September, but preferably when tioga pass is open.we were out there in 2002 but didn't camp and just blew through the valley to say we saw it.thank you Dar & Barb

My DW and I go to the Eastern Sierras for our yearly anniversary (Yosemite without the people imo).Rockcreek Canyon is our favorite. If you've heard of "Tom's Place" That's your turn off.HERE'S a link.

If you want to go with Tioga road open, odds will be better after Labor Day. I try to stay away between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Get your reservations early if you want to stay in the park's valley campgrounds especially during summer. You will not be alone.

You will need reservations, get them early. Yosemite is bike friendly take yours. Also if you cannot get reservation look up "Dispersed camping" near those parks. And if your are lucky enough to be 62 get your senior pass only $10 for lifetime pass that will give you free entrance fees and 1/2 camping fees at all National Parks and campgrounds

Reservations are definitely recommended. However, the park only allows 75% of the campgrounds to be reserved. They offer an 800 number that is updated twice a day with campground opening. The campground with the most openings is Tuolumne Meadows. If you camp there, bring lots of mosquito spray. Also reservations are available six months in advance...ie June will become available for reservations on January 1st. So plan accordingly.Sequoia National park generally has availability with holidays being the exception. Hume Lake which is in Sequoia is one of our favorite places to camp. I would make a reservation for that campground as it is popular. Not all campgrounds are open in spring, depending on snowfall for the winter.

Truck camping in Yosemite questions | Good Sam Community

James_
Explorer
May 14, 2015
My DW and I go to the Eastern Sierras for our yearly anniversary (Yosemite without the people imo).
Rockcreek Canyon is our favorite. If you've heard of "Tom's Place" That's your turn off.

HERE'S a link.
OutdoorPhotogra
Explorer
May 14, 2015
If you want to go with Tioga road open, odds will be better after Labor Day. I try to stay away between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
jmtandem
Explorer II
May 14, 2015
Get your reservations early if you want to stay in the park's valley campgrounds especially during summer. You will not be alone.
805gregg
Explorer
May 15, 2015
You will need reservations, get them early. Yosemite is bike friendly take yours. Also if you cannot get reservation look up "Dispersed camping" near those parks. And if your are lucky enough to be 62 get your senior pass only $10 for lifetime pass that will give you free entrance fees and 1/2 camping fees at all National Parks and campgrounds
fourscoot
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Reservations are definitely recommended. However, the park only allows 75% of the campgrounds to be reserved. They offer an 800 number that is updated twice a day with campground opening. The campground with the most openings is Tuolumne Meadows. If you camp there, bring lots of mosquito spray. Also reservations are available six months in advance...ie June will become available for reservations on January 1st. So plan accordingly.

Sequoia National park generally has availability with holidays being the exception. Hume Lake which is in Sequoia is one of our favorite places to camp. I would make a reservation for that campground as it is popular.

Not all campgrounds are open in spring, depending on snowfall for the winter.
1stgenfarmboy
Explorer
May 15, 2015
great info folks thank you so much and keep them coming..
OutdoorPhotogra
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Well you asked - you might consider camping in Grants Grove at Kings Canyon and then driving Generals Highway from Grants Grove into Sequoia. With a TC its not as big of a deal as towing or an RV but the road in Sequoia is steep and full of switchbacks. I think someone posted that the construction is still going. Hwy 180 to Kings Canyon is still mountain driving but not near a bad. Look at google maps and you will see the bad section in Sequoia. Grants Grove is nice in its own right and the General Grant Tree is in top 10 for size I believe. It's all amazing.

You do want to go to Crystal Cave in Sequioa. I never took the time to do it so I'm not sure where it is in the park. Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon is also nice but it's about a 3 hour drive from Grant's Grove. I would camp in Cedar Grove instead of doing a one day trip down. Grant's Grove is at 8,000 ft. Cedar Grove is the canyon floor. Don't remember the elevation. We camped in a now reservation campground and were right on the river. It was in the fall, not summer rush. I'm not sure how busy Cedar Grove is in the summer but nothing like Yosemite for sure.

Make your reservations now for Yosemite now as stated. It's best to stay in the valley. There is a campground near Wawona that is nice and rustic but it would be a 45 minute drive into the valley each day. Lots of campgrounds off 120 and 140 to the NW but also a 45-60 minute drive each day. From tourist perspective, make sure you go to Glacier Point. Probably the best view I've ever seen and I've been blessed to see a lot.
Naio
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
Yes, make reservations! You can always cancel them later if you need to.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
May 15, 2015
Maybe I am a bit biased living so close to Yosemite Valley but it is a freaking zoo all summer long, traffic jams, crowded noisy campgrounds, lines of people on the popular trails. Summer is better spent in the high country of the park. If you want Waterfalls April through May in a normal rainfall year. If you want the Valley, Toulumne,and Tigo pass leading to the spectacular east side off 395, come in September when the crowds have thinned and the leaves are starting to turn.
profdant139
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
When you mention "must see," what sorts of things do you like to do? Do you hike? Mountain bike? There are lots of recreational options -- let us know what you like, and we can make some specific suggestions.

With a TC, by the way, there are lots of options, especially in Sequoia, and especially in September. Any of the campgrounds are available to you, and I would not worry about the road on the south end of Sequoia. I can't go there with my trailer, but you can.