Have used the same locales near Yosemite. Up into the Sierra from Tioga
Pass there are even developed FS campgrounds that  NO ONE was using on
multiple occasions when we were there. Big Bend in Texas is another matter,
but then except for Christmas & spring break, you mostly get the park to
yourself.

On Mon, Feb 6, 2023, 12:57 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

>  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.
>
>
>
>