RE: A happy camper
Yosemite is awesome. I've camped down in Yosemite valley, but was really annoyed with all the RV's & their generators running all night long (late October). The raccoons really had the area staked out pretty well too. I preferred to stay at some of the campgrounds on the outskirts of the park... much quieter. Would get out of the tent in the morning to find a herd of mule deer grazing about 20 feet away. Too cool.
I also love camping in the Smokies or along the appalachian trail/ parkway in late October... crisp, cool nights- clear, cool days... perfect for sitting around the campfire. Only bad thing is when it drops down into the 30s, you're zipped into your sleeping bag, & you've been drinking beer by the fire all night long. You absolutely DREAD getting out of the sleeping bag & putting on freezing cold boots, but it's kinda hard to sleep with a full bladder.
I also spent a week camping in Moab, Utah... best trip I ever made. Absolutely incredible scenery. Have never taken so many pictures. Some of the best hiking & mountain biking as well. Only down side was that open fires were not allowed. The drive from Denver to Moab is gorgeous.
I agree with you Jack, that this is the ONLY time of the year to camp in Florida... at least if your TENT camping. Have heard lots of good things about Ft. Desoto... as long as you can get in. One year my parents & sisters decided to go camping in Arcadia on July 4th weekend. They lived to regret that decision. The spent most of the weekend driving around in the car (with the A/C on) just to get out of the heat. Late fall is a pretty good time for camping in north florida. I guess now would be a good time in the Keys. I SHOULD probably take advantage of it, since it looks like I'll be moving to Maine (Brrrr...), but oh well... that's what vacations are for.