Thread: Wilderness Adventure in the US - Renting a 4x4 Camper?

I'm interested in planning a week-long vacation to see one/some of America's best outdoor locations. Maybe Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park in Utah, or even Death Valley. Can anyone recommend a place that's a MUST-SEE?

Some quick info:

• I love wildlife, so a national park might be my best bet, right?
• It would be just my girlfriend and I. Mid 20's, physically capable, and we're more adventurous than most.

Also, I think it would be exciting to rent a camper 4x4 and ride around in that. Has anyone done this? Can anyone recommend a place to look to find one? Any ideas on price? Obviously, I'm hoping this kind of vacation will be relatively inexpensive compared to a Euro trip or an island vacay...

I'm thinking something like this... capable, but comfortable:

I'll be in Yosemite in 10 days. Tons of pics and HD footage will follow.

Here's why I'm going. You can take a hike one day to Glacier Point, and get such an amazing view of Half Dome:



The next day, if you have the balls, you can climb to the top of Half Dome, and stand on the edge:



MAN, I CAN'T WAIT!!! I'm almost losing sleep at night laying in bed thinking how awesome it will be to be up on top. I'm going to feel like King of the world. hahahahahaha!

That looks incredible! How are you going to travel around Yosemite? Where will you sleep?

I'd love to do one of these trips, but I'm just trying to wrap my head around the logistics.

Originally Posted by rockd

That looks incredible! How are you going to travel around Yosemite? Where will you sleep?

I'd love to do one of these trips, but I'm just trying to wrap my head around the logistics.

Well I'm no outdoor type to be honest. It's amazing what you can research and learn online. I live in FL, and just want a change of pace from going to the beach. I spent a little more on this trip that I wanted to.

I'm staying in a "tent" in Yosemite at Curry Village. It's basically a wooden frame with a canvas covering and a light bulb. No outlets, no heat, no AC. Here's a random pic via google:



That's $115 a night.

There are cheaper options outside the park, but at like $80 a night, you've then facing what I'm told is an hour drive into the park, due to it's size, and low speed limit. So, for a first time visitor, I just ponied up the dough. On the bright side, being right in the valley, I won't use my car once I'm there. I'll just wake up, and head out on hikes. The park also has a bus system, but I'm not exactly well educated on that. Curry Village also has a general store, all you can eat buffet restaurant, pizza shack, and other stuff that I'm sure you can read via google.

To hike Half Dome, its about 12-14 miles round trip, thus an all day hike. I dropped another $240ish on a proper backpack(with 3L water bladder), proper shoes, and some comfy ass socks.





Also, a coworker grew up near Yosemite, and when I said I was thinking of visiting, the first thing she insisted was that I stay at Curry Village. I didn't want to spend that much, but I think overall she's probably right. Now that I have the equipment, I'm already somewhat looking into a second trip. I can get flights to CA for as low as about $250, and I already have the gear now. I found a hostel near the park for like $25 a night. Next time I would probably just stay there for a week, and deal with the daily rides into and out of the park.

Hope that helps a bit.

That helps a LOT. I'd still love to do the 4x4 camper thing, so I'm going to do some research as to where I can and can't drive...