Camping at Camp Four Campground

Location and Accessibility

Camp 4 Campground is located in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is accessible by car and is situated near Yosemite Valley Lodge, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to explore the central features of the park, including Yosemite Falls and El Capitan.

Campground Overview

This walk-in campground is well-known for its historic role as a gathering spot for climbers, particularly during the golden age of climbing in the 1960s. Because of its climbing heritage, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Facilities and Amenities

• Walk-in Sites: Camp 4 offers shared walk-in sites, which means you cannot drive directly up to your campsite; instead, you park in a nearby lot and walk your gear to your site.

• Common Areas: It has communal picnic tables and fire rings.

• Restrooms: Flush toilets and drinking water are available, but there are no showers on site.

• Storage Lockers: There are bear-proof food storage lockers at each site to store all your food and scented items safely.

• Ranger Presence: Rangers host regular educational programs in the summer.

Camping Regulations

• Group Size: Sites are shared, and the maximum group size per site is typically six people.

• Stay Limits: You can stay up to seven nights from May through September and up to 14 nights the rest of the year, or 30 nights total in a year.

• Food Storage: Proper food storage is essential to protect wildlife. All food, garbage, and toiletries must be stored in bear-proof lockers.

• Pets: Pets are not allowed in the campground.

• Fires and Firewood: Fires are usually allowed, but sometimes there are restrictions due to conditions. You must use the communal fire rings and only collect wood that is dead and on the ground.

Reservations and Walk-ins

Historically, Camp 4 has been a walk-in campground operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to its popularity and limited number of sites, there is often a competitive line early in the morning for spots. Recently, the National Park Service (NPS) has experimented with a lottery system during peak seasons to allocate sites, so it's important to check the latest information on the NPS website.

Camping Seasons and Weather

Camp 4 is open year-round; however, the most popular times to visit are during spring, summer, and fall. Weather can impact accessibility, especially in winter when snow and ice are present, making the paths to the sites more challenging to navigate.

Activities and Attractions

It's an ideal base for rock climbers aiming to tackle the famous climbs of Yosemite, but it's also a great spot for those who want to hike the nearby trails, seek out the waterfalls, or enjoy the serene beauty of Yosemite Valley.

Pro Tip: Since Camp 4 is often full, especially during peak season, have a backup plan, such as checking out other campgrounds or looking for lodging outside the park. Always check the NPS website for the most current information regarding campground status, lottery systems, and any other changes due to weather or park policy.