Places: Yosemite National Park
DETAILS: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park (California)! One of my favorite places I've camped in 31 states of RV'ing. I stayed in the North Pines campground for 3 nights from September 8th through the 11th (just now posting about it).
For those that have never been, I've got a few tips to pass along...
There are several RV-friendly campgrounds in Yosemite, but only three are in the Yosemite Valley (the others are a minimum of a 45 minute drive to the valley).
The three campgrounds in the valley (North Pines, Upper Pines and Lower Pines) are all very similar and are located immediately next to each other. All three are reservation only and they book up solid months in advance.
However, thanks to a tip from the ranger's office when I called about 10 days prior to when I wanted to go, I was told it was almost certain that people would cancel and I would still be able to book online. The trick, and it does take time and effort, is to keep checking the availability several times a day, every day (links below). Eventually, things open up!
I saw many, many cancellations. After a few days of trying, I was able to book single nights in different campsites for the three nights I wanted to stay. Eventually, a cancellation opened up in a different campsite for the exact 3 nights I wanted. I booked it then cancelled my single night bookings (which I observed became instantly available through their modern website). Each of my cancellations got booked in about an hour, so I saw the whole turnover process in action!
All three campgrounds are $26/night (dry camping). There is a dump station and water fill available at the campground entrance.
There are endless hikes and beautiful landscapes everywhere you look. As far as a tour, I would recommend the "Yosemite Valley Floor Tour" — a 2-hour tour in an open-air tram in the warmer months (and heated coach in the colder months). It gives a great overview of the National Park, its history, and it will give you ideas of things you want to see & do in more depth.
My only regret is not staying longer — they allow up to 7 consecutive nights. Three nights was way too short!
North Pines Campground: https://bit.ly/359sG0p
Upper Pines Campground: https://bit.ly/35eb3fR
Lower Pines Campground: https://bit.ly/2Ir2IM7