Long stays in Camp 4 tips

Am visiting the Valley for the whole of October this year, coming from the UK. Would like to stay in C4, but I know the reservation system is tough - I have read it in detail. I have been before but it was well before the reservation system kicked in. Has anyone got any tips for how best to stay for multiple weeks? Is just applying for a reservation each week through recreation.gov the only way?

If C4 fails - does anyone have recommendations of next best places to stay, in October?

Thanks!

In October there is much more space than in the spring and summer. It is not nearly as hard to get a reservation. Also, sometime in september or october the reservation requirement goes away and the campground returns to first come first serve. (They don't publish when this is until later in the summer.) Also, after september 15th you can stay at camp 4 for 30 days.