I am going to be in CA for 1 week and want to spend much of it in a national park. What park do people like the most? Which is a better bet in August in terms of camping and crowds? I am looking at Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park? Thanks

I would vote for Yosemite, hands down. I've also been to Sequioa & Kings Canyon National Parks (they're two in one). Yosemite is the crowd favorite due to the unbelievable views and variety. Camp sites are less numerous now due to the impact of the floods a few years back. S&KC is more "laid back". Didn't camp there however so I don't know what they have. There are many web sites on both. Haven't made it to Lake Tahoe yet.

Please include city/state/region name in message title, EVEN if you are picking a state from the "keyword list"



Author: helpful ([email protected])
Date: 6/28/2001, 2:46 pm ET

Message: I've noticed a lot of ambiguous message titles lately, and many people responding in frustration along the lines of "Why don't you say what state/city you're talking about?!?!

Posters AND readers may not realize/remember that when you post a message you are given the option of both a message and a 'keyword'.
For example, someone might use "best hotel" as a message and choose "arizona" from the keyword list, not realizing that the keyword does NOT show up in the message title or text, and is only useful for searching among all the posts.

I really enjoy this forum, but I don't want to 'waste' my time reading posts on topics I thought were about something else, nor do I think posters deserve rude (ok, frustrated)
responses to their posts because they are unaware of how the system works.

If you kind Fodorites agree with me, why not bump this message up periodically so others can take note of it.
Thank you !

In August Yosemite can be quite hot for camping and is probably booked. In Tahoe there are many campgrounds, some of which are required to leave space available on a first come first serve basis. Something else to consider is the bear situation in Yosemite. Storing food and toiletries is a tricky thing and if stored in your car you may experience a devestating bear breakin.
Check out the following lovely campgrounds on the west shore of Tahoe Sugar Pine Point General Creek Campground. Has bathrooms and pay showers. Bliss also is nice and has nice facilities. In south Tahoe there is camp Richardson campgrounds which used to be really great years ago but now seem to be right next to the road.
Good luck.

Don't be scared off by Suzie's "warnings" about Yosemite. We were there last August in about 95 degree weather and it was beautiful!
As for the bears stealing your food, it's easily protected by putting your food items in metal containers conveniently located in the park. The crowds? Once you're away from the valley, you hardly notice them!
Having said all that, you may have a problem securing campground space Yosemite for this summer!

Howard, I camp alot and 95 degrees for camping is not what I deem comfortable! Save the 95 degrees for a hotel stay, preferably with a pool! Wasn't actually "warning" jen just providing information.

The answer to your specific question is Yosemite. By far the best destination park out there. The other factors about temp, crowding and such you'll have to weigh yourself.

Sorry to disagree again, Suzie. While we did not camp, we did quite a bit of hiking and other activities (including a climb to the top of Vernal Falls) in the 90+ weather and it was great. And, I might add that my wife and I are not exactly young 'uns either.

Camping and hiking are two different activities. If the daytime temp in Yosemite is 95 that means it warms up quickly and a person would be waking up to a stifling tent even in filtered shade. A miserable way to start a day. Then stand over the camp stove or fire to prepare your breakfast. Gosh I'm sweating already!!!! There is no doubt that Yosemite is CA best and most scenic park but if jen doesn't already have reservations for a campsite she doesn't stand much of a chance to camp there this August. I'm just giving her some lovely alternatives. I've hiked all over Yosemite in the temps you've mentioned at that's not the problem.

Good points, Suzie. Maybe that's why we don't camp!
Anyway, I totally agree about difficulty at this stage finding camping space at this late date (or any place to sleep, for that matter).