The Golden Age of Road Trips
The ultimate guide to scoring top campsites, maximizing your budget, and living the adventure with your family, not a crowd.
The Golden Age of Road Trips
Why is this the Golden Age?
Right now really is the "golden age" for epic road trips and camping in America’s best parks. We’re at this perfect intersection where cars are incredibly reliable, cell service is available almost everywhere, and camping gear has gotten so good that you can actually be comfortable in some of the most beautiful places in the country. What’s wild is, I don’t think most people have really caught on yet.
If you’re willing to plan ahead, the current reservation system rewards you. You can book the best campsites in the world, even in the most iconic national parks, and you don’t need to win a lottery or pay a fortune to do it. It’s still open to regular families, not just insiders or experts.
On our most recent trip, using this system, I was able to book every site I wanted just by being ready on opening day. I really think people will look back and realize that this was a golden window for road trips out West. If you’re willing to put in the effort, now’s the time to make it happen.
Where can you actually stay?
- Redwoods among ancient trees
- Lakeside sites with mountain views
- Hidden gems in the Grand Tetons
- Oceanfront campgrounds on the Pacific
- High-country pine forests near national parks
- Secluded river spots for swimming and fishing
- Classic Western canyons and desert oases
Want to know exactly where, when, and how to score these dream sites?
That’s what’s inside the guide.
Top 10 Tips for Epic Western Road Trips
1. Book your campsites as early as possible
The best spots fill up fast, so planning ahead is key! Most sites open six months in advance.
2. Choose your campgrounds—and campsites—very carefully
Not all campsites are created equal! The difference between a world-class site and a cramped, noisy spot can make or break your trip. Research locations, look at maps and photos, and read reviews to make sure you know what you’re getting.
3. Mesh laundry bags are your friend
They’re perfect for organizing gear, dirty clothes, and keeping things dry and breathable.
4.Fly your family out west, drive the gear yourself
Long cross-country drives with kids can be exhausting, and flying with camping gear is nearly impossible. Have one adult drive the packed vehicle out west (enjoying peaceful stops along the way) while the rest of the family flies in to join you. It saves everyone time, energy, and sanity!
5. Bring easy, pre-cooked meals and a solid camp skillet
Frozen home-cooked meals reheat perfectly and save you time at camp. I’ll show you our full meal-prep system for hot, mess-free dinners in camp.
6. Thermal regulation is everything.
Be ready for big temperature swings. Nights can start out hot and end up freezing. Our sleep system keeps everyone comfortable.
7. Choose a vehicle with real space for all your gear
You really need a minivan, large SUV, or something with a roof bag or cargo box—there’s just no way to fit everything in a small car for a trip like this. We use a Chrysler Pacifica and honestly think it’s the best value in the minivan market. Every time we’re out west, we laugh at how many other Pacificas we see at the campgrounds. If you’re in the market, I’d definitely recommend it.
8. Pack water gear—goggles, tubes, and snorkeling masks
There are plenty of clear rivers and lakes out West where the whole family can cool off and explore.
9. Make a nature scavenger hunt or checklist for the kids
Our Western Scavenger Hunt keeps kids curious and off their screens.
10. Bring bikes
Bikes make campgrounds way more fun. Ride to the lake, explore loops, hit nearby trails - no need to pile in the car. They’re a big reason driving beats flying on a trip like this. Bikes turn a good campground into a great one. I break down the best racks and setup tricks in the guide.
Trip Spotlight: Our 2025 Western Adventure
Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park
Booked the best site in the campground, with plenty of privacy and right on the Kaweah river.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
All of the sites, including this one, were my top choices. Old growth redwoods on the banks of the crystal clear Smith River.
Trillium Lake, Mount Hood
Tons of space, total privacy, and easy access to the 2 mile bike path around Trillium Lake.
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
Directly in the ferns and forest with our own personal path to the Hoh River, where we spent much of our time.
Kalaloch Beach, Olympic National Park
On a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in walking distance of tide pools.
Jenny Lake Campground, Grand Tetons National Park
Got one of the best sites at one of the best campgrounds in the country on 4th of July weekend.
Meet Your Road Trip Guide
About Me
I’m Phinizy—a high school science teacher, parent, and lifelong adventurer with a passion for squeezing every ounce of value, comfort, and magic from a Western road trip.
My journey started in college with spontaneous drives, last-minute campsites, and plenty of mistakes (including more than one night next to a train track in Montana!).
Over the years—and five cross-country trips later—I’ve learned how to turn the chaos into adventure, find the best campsites, cook gourmet meals at the picnic table, and keep my family excited for the next mile.
From “winging it” with friends, to carefully-planned family journeys that span a month, I’ve done it all:
- 2005: Following the Appalachian Trail—camping wherever I could, not knowing about real campgrounds yet
- 2007: Drove to Seattle. No highways, no reservations, all spontaneity
- 2009: Early married trip—mix of hotels and first tries at real camping out West
- 2010-2023: Getting established in our jobs and raising kids :)
- 2024: First major family trip West—tons of lessons learned, a few fails, but huge memories
- 2025: The “best ever” trip—top campsites, zero burnout, and truly living out of the car (with comfort!)
I created this guide so you can skip the rookie mistakes, get right to the good stuff, and experience the magic of the Golden Age of Road Trips—without stress or regret.