HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION
 

We are thinking of joining Hostelling International so that we can use hostels in USA (used them in South America last year). Not sure if we would fit in as we are in our 60's, we usually book a private room. Imagine that there are a lot of young people travelling in hostels in the USA.
Also, anyone know how busy the hostels get in country towns near major national parks and national monuments. We would be just booking the next town as we go along, so that we have flexibility to stay as long or short a time as we want in any given location

The range of hostels in the U.S. isn't very good. While there are a few particularly good ones (Point Montara Lighthouse in Half Moon Bay outside of San Francisco is a particularly famous and excellent hostel), the vast majority aren't really going to offer the kind of experience you are looking for, and you'll find almost exclusively young people from Europe, Australia, and around the world. The other problem is that most US national parks do not have hostels nearby, and in the US, you can book a regular basic motel room for about the same price. I'd urge you to re-think your plan.

I also forgot to say that it will be very difficult to be spontaneous around a US national park. Lodging within easy driving distance tends to be limited and books up very early (up to a year ahead if you want to book a cheap room inside the park itself).

That plan is not going to work in the US. Doug is right: The hostel system is different in the US, and everything around the popular national parks gets booked ages in advance. This year will be even tighter than usual, because of the weak US dollar, Americans are staying home and international visitors are flooding in, too. You didn't mention your travel dates, but if they are between May and September, I strongly advise you to book ahead.

Sorry to say, hostels in the US are not like those in South America or Europe. They are few and far bewteen. It would be difficult to plan a trip based upon only staying at them.

Here in Seattle, as example, there is only one left (the other closed recently).

If you want to see the national parks and monuments, why not look into actually staying at them... in cabins, campground, yurts, whatever?

The Lonely Planet website has more travelers with experience in US hostels. I'd ask the question there.

www.lonelyplanet.com

As others have mentioned hostels are not as popular/easily found in the US as in other parts of the world.

They are generally for the young - although older travelers are welcomed. But most are in the center of large cities. You won;t find any in the countryside of National Parks.
(Those areas generally have some budget motels nearby.)

Also - National Parks get very full in the summer - and to get any accommodations you really need to reserve far in advance (whether for hotel or cabin or even camping spots). Frequently they will be filled months in advance - so you really can;t do them off the cuff.