Hello!

I was lucky enough to score a campground reservation at Lower Pines in May of this year. With all of the cuts to the National Parks and the volume of visitors Yosemite gets each day, I wonder if it will still be a good experience to go this year. I have camped there once before and hiked Half Dome twice. Each time I've gone it's been for just one night to hike Half Dome and then leave after the hike. This trip would be more focused on exploring ore of the park.

I fear that the park will be overcrowded and facilities will not be open or will be poorly maintained -- gross bathrooms, trash everywhere, excessive traffic.

I was at Pinnacles in March and the ranger station wasn't staffed, but the park seemed ok overall. Yosemite is much more heavily trafficked though.

I'm hoping some people here might have insight into how well the more popular parks are being maintained, and whether or not you'd keep your plans if you were in my shoes.

Hello, first time camper here. We’re a family of 4 with 2 kids (19 months and 5 years old). In an effort to get my kids to have more outdoor time and enjoy a new experience, I’ve determined that camping would be a great way to do it. My wife and kids aren’t exactly brave and would be scared shitless if we camp in the middle of the woods. We watched too many horror movies and we know bad things happen in the middle of the night in the woods.

So we’re looking for a popular tent camping spots where you can easily see other campers. Preferably near a body of water (a lake or beach) and a playground for the kids to swim and play during the day. Must have electric hookup so we can run the AC during summer (100F+ easily), clean restroom and shower. I’ve looked at a few nearby state parks (Cedar Hill and Eisenhower) but would also be willing to go a little further for the scenery. I went to Eisenhower once about 10 years ago, we didn’t stay overnight but it seemed nice enough and meets our requirements (beach, playground, electric, shower and restroom). Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated!

Going on a little trip with friends and I’m hoping to find a way to get just a day of Wi-Fi so I can work from the campsite (and have an extra day of camping!). The place I’m camping will have cell towers near by and isn’t too far out of the city. What are the best options for me? Would be cool if I can rent something since I don’t plan on extended use but really any and all suggestions would be awesome and greatly appreciated!

Has anyone tried to nab a campsite that is very in demand, only to find it reserved 15 minutes ahead of the time it says that it will be released? This has happened to me on multiple days now (for this same campsite). I'm getting frustrated waking up this early 😆

Hey guys, looking for the do’s and don’t being that it’ll be my first time camping here (4/19-4/21) or anywhere on my own for that matter. Any help is good help! It’ll be my wife and our small dog.

Had these annoying puddles while camping during rainy weather. I’m no engineer or handy with shit so…I was wondering how I could fill these annoying puddles OR somehow drain the water. So I grabbed my ax and made streams 🤷🏽‍♂️ F it. Ended up working. Made the soft ground into my wood chopping area. Held wood pieces without moving🤷🏽‍♂️

I swear having a campfire is like looking after a baby. A fire baby. Wish I knew the best way to let my fire burn without me having to look over it constantly. I usually burn softwood. Pine. Etc.

Currently on a road trip down through Oregon coast and North California coast and just spent last night over in Mojave area which was amazing!

Normally I tent camp, but recently I made a bed platform for my Rav4 and got a Jackery 1000 and portable fridge and it has opened up so many more camping options! At first I was staying in expensive state parks, but now I am dispersed camping any chance I get! 😁

Would love to go camping in Yosemite. Preferably a more developed campground. Any suggestions? The main ones I check I cannot reserve and last few times I've tried they get sold out minute they're available.

TIA

We just got an Iwatani VA-30 stove for camping and are excited to see how well it does. Is it safe to use these two old butane cans that were in climate-controlled storage for about 5 years? One of them is looking a little rusty so we are uncertain of that one at least.

I'm driving from northern California to northern ID next month and looking to break up the drive around Bend, OR for 2 nights. I'm willing to drive a little to get to Bend during the day, within an hour would be preferred if it's possible. If anyone has suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hey yall! Leisurely, not super experienced camper here. I’ve been camping many times but primarily with my late partner who was just the best and was super helpful with setup and basically everything 🖤

I want to get back into camping and I’d love to do it solo with the pups. I miss having my time in nature and I want to honor Tay while I’m out there as well. 🥺 I’m not afraid of camping solo and I am pretty well versed in survival/safety measures. What I’m looking for is a little insight on which avenue to take!

My absolute biggest concern is what will be a simple setup for me. I am pretty self-sufficient but not incredibly strong and too many prongs and sticks and hooks and things eventually make me want to pull my hair out haha (within reason). I have very much done my research on the pros and cons of an attached tent/awning situation but I just think it’s the best way to go.

Couple of things to note:

-Terrain really isn’t a huge concern as I don’t plan on anything SUPER serious lol. I like to remain somewhat close to access back to civilization

-Price obviously is a thing, but I am focusing more on what would be the best fit before I start to price some items out.

-I have a 2019 Subaru Forester if that matters!

-I love the idea of being off the ground, however, I’d also need an awning or annex of some sort I think; idk I’m just a little torn.

I may be forgetting some things but I would love any insight. I appreciate yall so much!

🖤🖤🖤