Hello all!

I am planning a solo road trip in early September.

The prices for hotels were staggering. I am considering grabbing a tent and camping out - but I have never been a camper.

Can you give me some insight on my best options? I am trying not to tie myself down to being in specific places at specific times.

Example: Day 2, the plan is to go from the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe down to Yosemite, turn onto 108 and take that to 49, to 120, to Tioga Road, back out to 395, explore Mono Lake quickly, and currently I am looking at Outbound Mammoth hotel then continue south. (Depending on the logistics, I would even camp at Lake Tahoe)

The question is this -

If I buy a tent, can I just pull up to a campsite and pay? Or do I have to have stuff like that pre-booked?

How does this work? What would you do?

I feel like if I spend $150 on a tent and blanket, I could easily save hundreds of dollars, and enjoy myself much more over the course of 3 to 4 days. - Or even sleeping in the car. Not opposed!

Not sure if it matters but,

29, Male, Solo Road Trip, coming from Florida (Yes, I am okay with the cold nights, very okay with them)

Thanks in advance!

r/California r/solotravel r/roadtrip