Booking accommodation in national parks ahead of time

[Lifemagician]

Have you checked the Public Lands site? There are some great camping spots along US-191 - Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway - south of The Tetons.

Hobach campground is 8 miles south of Hobach Junction, on the western side of the road, right on the Hobach river. Right by the road, but ever so quiet and secluded. There is another about five miles further south, on the east side of the road, also on the Hobach river. Not far after crossing the bridge over the river. A further one can be found at greater altitude - hence, no trees - at Warren Bridge, just south of the bridge on the western side of the road. Tom and Dianne are the camp hosts there, and Tom takes great pride in keeping the place neat and tidy. All these are about $15 per night.

BTW, I would not count on an eight hour drive to Moab. US-191 in Wyoming is an attraction in itself. Don't short change yourself. There's much more than the NPs. Check out the Flaming Gorge / Green River Scenic Byway.

Call in at the BLM office in Pinedale, and have a chat with them there.

Lifey

[Southwest Dave]

Call in at the BLM office in Pinedale, and have a chat with them there.

There is also camping at Freemont lake just outside of Pinedale.

[TerryTreks]

Thanks for the tips! I am planning on doing some backcountry hiking. I'm trying to figure out where to hike in Yellowstone so I can reserve a permit. The public lands site will be helpful.

Grand Canyon rafting trips are still available. I'm trying to decide between motor or paddle boats.

[TerryTreks]

I've been hesitating on the Grand Canyon rafting trip because it's so expensive. But I'm pulling the trigger on a 5.5 day upper canyon oar trip. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. That gives me some dates where I have to be somewhere, so I'll redo my Utah itinerary around that, and incorporate the useful advice I received here. I'll post my updated itinerary when I have it.

My original itinerary had several days at both the North and South rim. I'll be hiking out at Phantom Ranch. I'm not in a hurry, so is it worth hanging around the South Rim for a couple days after my rafting trip? Should I plan to hit the North Rim too, or will I be all "canyoned out?" I'll have all of Utah to do after the Grand Canyon rafting.

[Lifemagician]

It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. .

I can't think of a better reason to do it. Hope you have a great trip. Wow! 5.5 days, that is some trip.

As to whether you visit the North Rim as well as the South Rim is completely up to you. I would, but ever so briefly. There are other attractions there as well as the rim. But heck, if it is going to cut you short of time at some other great parks.... well, that's what roadtrips are all about.... decisions, decisions, DECISIONS!

As well as all this planning, I trust you have also been planning how you are going to keep your journal. This is a trip we will all want to follow. Can't wait for it to start. :)

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

Since the OP has not been back to this site since his/her last post, don't hold your breath.

Lifey

[bengali]

hey there!
I'm going to visit my family close to Miami and thought about going to the Everglades when I'm already there, maybe Key West too! How is it in late October, should I book an accommodation in the NP way ahead or is this time of the year a good time to just go there an get a place to stay?

[amara]

when you know the exact dates I would totally recommend to book a place to stay in advance! It's horrible when you get somewhere and don't have a place to stay!
It depends a little bit on how much time you have to travel around. If you arrive at the park and then you have to look for accommodation the whole day you lose a lot of quality time in the park!
The Everglades are beautiful, in October there can still be some small hurricanes as September is hurricane time.. but you definitely should check them out!
Where in Miami are you staying? I'm from Fort Lauderdale and just curious!

[bengali]

Thank you very much for your answer! Yes I don't really know the exact dates now but I think I should figure them out anyways and okay.. maybe I try to go there late October to have better weather as I also want to go hiking etc! My aunt is living in a condo in Pompano Beach. This is just a little bit North of Fort Lauderdale!
I've been there once when I helped her move but this is already some time ago!
Thanks for your advice!

[Lifemagician]

Even if your hotel or campground does not have laundry facilities, they will always know where there is one nearby. Take something with you to do or a book to read and you'll find the time passes in a jiffy. In all the years roadtripping, I have never not been able to find a laundry. Just don't waste time doing it every week. Wait till you have a load full. Soap powder can always be bought at the laundry, though it is more economical to purchase a box full of the small packs.

I can't see why you should allow laundry to shorten your trip.

Lifey