Normally (in the middle of a conversion) I head down WA/OR coast and use the "no plan" plan of action. I do this in mid/late April, maybe into May, but beyond that I'd recommend booking ahead for weekends or at least have a good plan B if you don't. I noticed that even in late April, on weekends, the sites along the OR coast would get much busier.

Having said as much, if you camp inland, you will obviously have a much better chance of winging it. I too enjoy not booking in advance.

Check out the Forestry service maps. You may find cheap or free that doesn't require driving too far out of your way.

Best of luck,

Neil.

-- Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 7:49 AM, Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@gmail.com> wrote: > We are planning a trip from BC to southern Calif. in late July, probably down > the coast, then hitting Disneyland (will probably stay at a motel 6 for a few > nights), then returning inland stopping at some highlights like the Grand > Canyon, Zion, etc. mostly avoiding major highways where possible. I have > not been on this route since 1976, and have no idea how busy the > campgrounds will be, but can guess they will be crazy. Is there any > possibility of doing this sort of trip mid summer without reservations? I really > detest the thought of planning so far ahead, as it just doesn't suit our travel > style. Any advice, trip reports, web guides, etc. would be appreciated. > > We'll be travelling in our Westy with 2 kids ages 10 & 11, and will have > about 3 weeks total. Our preference is to stay in state/natl parks with fewer > big rigs and minimal services where possible. > > Thanks for any info you can offer! > > > Shawn Wright > http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels > '88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed > '85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA >