We're headed to Yosemite for the 4th of July. I know we're crazy for going over the extremely busy holiday but it was the best time for us. We havent camped in several years, we used to do it all the time. We are staying a hodgdon. Here is the make up of who will be going. Myself, my husband our 11 year old and our 2 1/2 year old. We also have 2 friends who will be joining us. What is the best way to deal with the cooking situation. I've googled everything thing I can think of and saw that you can only have a camp fire 5pm-10pm so that would mean no hot breakfest. Anyway, any suggestions at all would be great (really on anything, not just on food), we are starting to gather things now so we know for sure we have everything.

We're also planning to go on the sugar pine railroad night trip with the dinner and everything. We will be at Yosemite for 4 nights.

Bring a gas stove. And yes, probably crazy and horrible idea to visit on July 4. I haven't been there myself over a holiday, but it's a busy place anyway, so I can't even begin to imagine on July 4. Bug Spray time of year too.

I seriously thought about backpacking during that week myself(thought the crowds wouldn't be as bad in the back country), but talked myself out of it.

The campground is about an hour from Yosemite Valley - but over the 4th it could easily take 90+ minutes (IF they don't close the park entrances due to capacity)

If you want to camp over July 4th, great - but I would go somewhere else, not Yosemite which will be slammed.

Yes - you will need a gas stove - and if fire danger is elevated at that time you won't be allowed an open fire even from 5-10PM.

Head to Lassen, Redwoods, or Sequoia NP

I agree w/ all three of Spirolbulldog's suggestions. Any would be less crowded than YNP . . .

Redwoods is not an option. It will be just as crowded, with no campsite available in spite of all the campgrounds available in the various state parks. We have been stuck staying in a motel in Crescent City because we arrived in the redwoods area too late on a non-holiday weekend.