Need suggestions on 2-3 week trip to NW without reservations

[GBEngineer]

I have recently had some changes with work that may give me a few weeks to go camping in June or July. The problem is I don't know for sure when I can go so I can't make reservations. I have done a little research on camping in Oregon and Washington and see that no reservations may be a problem. I hear the campgrounds are full on the weekends.

Any ideas on how I could make this work without having reservations. I would be camping in a TC so I don't need a really large spot and could do some boondocking if not to hard to get to. I will be camping with my wife and 3 kids ages 9-15.

This is an area that I have never visited. I want to visit Crater Lake but don't know what else to see. I would really appreciate any advice. I am not sure this trip will happen but hope it does.

[GBEngineer]

Thanks. Yes, we would like some mild hikes and rivers and beaches. I have read that many people enjoy Mount Saint Helen's and Rainer. Are those areas busy and require reservations as well?

[Fishinghat]

Without reservations, your best bet might be to drive along and check the private campgrounds along the coast. The state parks might be a better/cheaper choice, but most will be full from those who made reservations.

The national forests offer camping without a reservation system, using a "first come - first served" policy. Most of the sites are very primitive. I would assume you'd want something to keep your kids involved, such as a river or the ocean beaches.

Good luck.