The NPS and BLM sites are also good resources for finding information about different areas and activities:<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm" rel="nofollow">https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm</a><p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/" rel="nofollow">https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/</a><p>As for campsite reservations, peak seasons will always be terribly crowded at major campsites. It's too bad that people are gaming the system, but if you need to rush to get a spot in line, you're probably not going to feel like you're out in the wilderness when you get there anyways. So if you aren't a huge fan of crowds and noise, try going during the off-season (like right now!) Also, consider checking out smaller state forests and parks during the summer months. And many forests and parks allow 'dispersed camping' in certain areas; you can usually find plenty of semi-maintained campsites along roads in those places when the maintained campgrounds are full or closed.<p>And if you go to these areas regularly, an annual parks pass might save you money, even if they usually only get you discounts on federal land:<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm" rel="nofollow">https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm</a>