In my humble opinion.....Yosemite is the best of the best.  How do you do it?  It is nearly impossible.  But, if you've got a Vanagon, you are in for some sweet luck!  About 2 miles south of the Wawona entrance, there is a nice Sno-Park lot.  Yes, you can absolutely park and camp there for free!  Near the giant Sequoia Mariposa grove.  Moreso, there are Forest Roads that lead away from that Sno-Park area.  Pristine Forest....and you can also camp there for free.  Next day, you (if an old geezer like me but with a lifetime National Parks Pass) you just breeze into Yosemite Valley.  Enjoy all the stuff.  All campgrounds are full.  (you might have some luck at Tuolome Meadows, or White Wolf campground, I did, these campgrounds are seldom visited by out of towners.) No problem.  You drive up and over Tioga Pass...down to the High Desert.  Lee Vining.  Around there, there will be a multitude of Vanagon camping experiences.  North towards Bridgeport, or south to Bishop.  I have done this, and will continue to do so.  It is all just so wonderful.  California is a remarkable place.

    On Monday, February 6, 2023 at 10:21:46 AM PST, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Definitely agree. Washington State is the same. I go for NFS or BLM when I
can. Even for NP visits, if there is public land adjacent, I go there if
possible, and make day trips to park sites.