Date:         Mon, 6 Feb 2023 20:29:01 +0000
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Summertime camping...Yosemite....for free!
Comments: To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CACvdLxNpC_dBWbP5Jso0hTHS1am_8sy2R4YayWtx6QUjLgOQwg@mail.gmail.com>
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 Absolutely right Dave; the brilliance of Vanagon...you shrug off those "FILLED" signs when entering campgrounds.  You just drive a couple more miles, go down some Forest Road or whatnot.....and you have your home for the night.  Has happened to me...plenty.

    On Monday, February 6, 2023 at 12:21:20 PM PST, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Have used the same locales near Yosemite. Up into the Sierra from Tioga Pass there are even developed FS campgrounds that  NO ONE was using on multiple occasions when we were there. Big Bend in Texas is another matter, but then except for Christmas & spring break, you mostly get the park to yourself.
On Mon, Feb 6, 2023, 12:57 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

 In my humble opinion.....Yosemite is the best of the best.  How do you do it?  It is nearly impossible.  But, if you've got a Vanagon, you are in for some sweet luck!  About 2 miles south of the Wawona entrance, there is a nice Sno-Park lot.  Yes, you can absolutely park and camp there for free!  Near the giant Sequoia Mariposa grove.  Moreso, there are Forest Roads that lead away from that Sno-Park area.  Pristine Forest....and you can also camp there for free.  Next day, you (if an old geezer like me but with a lifetime National Parks Pass) you just breeze into Yosemite Valley.  Enjoy all the stuff.  All campgrounds are full.  (you might have some luck at Tuolome Meadows, or White Wolf campground, I did, these campgrounds are seldom visited by out of towners.) No problem.  You drive up and over Tioga Pass...down to the High Desert.  Lee Vining.  Around there, there will be a multitude of Vanagon camping experiences.  North towards Bridgeport, or south to Bishop.  I have done this, and will continue to do so.  It is all just so wonderful.  California is a remarkable place.

    On Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:21:46 AM PST, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:  

 Definitely agree. Washington State is the same. I go for NFS or BLM when I
can. Even for NP visits, if there is public land adjacent, I go there if
possible, and make day trips to park sites.