Camp 4, near [Yosemite National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/yosemite-national-park), is a popular spot for campers looking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the area. This campground is known for its community-style layout, which fosters a friendly atmosphere among visitors, especially rock climbers aiming to tackle the iconic El Capitan.

The campground offers essential amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and bear lockers to keep your food safe from wildlife. Many campers appreciate the clean restrooms with running water, although it’s a good idea to bring your own soap since dispensers may not always be available. As one visitor noted, “The new upgrades are great!” which speaks to the ongoing improvements made to enhance the camping experience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Camp 4 is a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including those leading to breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Don’t miss the chance to catch a sunrise from Tunnel View; it’s a sight that will stick with you long after your visit. Whether you're here for a night or a week, Camp 4 provides a solid base for exploring the wonders of [Yosemite National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/yosemite-national-park).

## Overview

 Camp 4 has returned to reservations. There is no first come, first served camping available. Camp 4 is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. 
## Recreation

 Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14 to 16 mile trek to Half Dome [(permit required)][1]. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops. 
## Facilities

 Camp 4 is a shared site campground, which means six individuals (including children 3 and older) are assigned to each site. The campground has a total of 61 sites (only 25 open in winter) which accommodate tents only. Since Camp 4 is a walk-in campground, no vehicles are allowed to enter the campground. You may not sleep in any type of vehicle in the Camp 4 parking lot, including vans. Each site has picnic tables, food storage lockers and fire rings that are shared by all occupants of that site. Restrooms and drinking water are located in the center of the campground. Tent areas are mostly level and most sites have shade. Due to the close proximity of sites and its shared nature, Camp 4 is not considered a quiet campground. Other than Service Animals, pets are not allowed at Camp 4. Parking is available adjacent to the campground (approximately 100-300 yards away). A parking permit is required from spring through fall. You will receive a free parking permit upon check-in. 
## Natural Features

 Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and white-leaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby. 
## Lottery Information

 The Camp 4 lottery has ended for the 2022 season. Sites at Camp 4 will be available for per-person reservation beginning Wednesday, September 7 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific time. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival date will also lose the first night's camping fee. Change Policy: Only two changes may be made to each reservation. No Show Policy: Reservation holders have until 8:30 a.m. the day following their arrival date to check-in or their camping reservation will become void. Campers should call (209) 372-8502 if they know they will be late. The maximum fee for no shows is $20 and loss of the first nights camping fee. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652

Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yosemite Valley, CA? Yosemite Valley is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Yosemite Valley

The Best Camping Near Yosemite Valley, California

This campground was awesome.  We went in the middle of summer without reservations and we were able to get a tent site.  This camp site is at the head of the Upper Falls trail so you can get an early start and see some great sunrise scenes.  Plenty of toilets and water sources at the camp site, just bring your filter.  

Yosemite Camp 4 was AWESOME

Stayed here 2x so far.  First time was before the summer season, so it was easy to get a spot.  Second time we had to wait in line of at least 40 people.  Line starts early, so show up with your coffee, a chair and a book (and your ID and cash!).  You will have stupid neighbors who try to feed the squirrels, but at $6 a night per person in the Valley, you can't beat it.  Free showers at the pool at Curry Village if you bring your own towel.  No issues with bears either time I was there.  

Great stay - if you can get in.

We got there at 6;00 in the morning and there was already a line. Campers were lined up outside with their chairs and blankets. The rangers come out around 8:30 and hand out numbers. At the morning time campers are really friendly and my neighbors made me pancakes. The site is really cheap at 6 dollars because of the amount of campers around you. They can get noisy and may get annoying. Every site there has a bear locker and it is MANDATORY that you put your food in there. There is bears around. There is pretty clean flush toilets and there is the usual picnic table. I went on a day hike to Nevada Falls because it was a simple trail at 6 miles. During the evening the air is filled with smoke from the fire. I recommend bringing your own firewood because most of the wood is all collected by other campers. At night you cant sleep because of the brightness. The stars are really pretty. 

Long line

Our visit was great!! We came in late at night with 1 spot left. We camped in a tent and in the bed of our truck. We went in June which was a little chilly at night but sleeping under the open starts was to die for. The sites were clean and had plenty of space between them. Most of the people camping alongside were likeminded people (not everyone camps in tents and those who do just 'know' how to enjoy their surrounding). The campsite had bear proof bins at each site to hide your food etc. our dogs were welcome and kids were entertained with nature. Tenaya Lake wasn't far away which was the best part of the whole trip.  Only con is it's usually really hard to get a campsite in Yosemite in general. We have tried before and ended up having to leave the park late at night as there was nowhere to camp. We lucked up this time!

Great place to camp under the stars

If this were anywhere else I would have given it 3 stars, but it's in Yosemite, nestled at the base of Yosemite falls trail and that is a major win. 

First off, this is a walk up site and thank god they have them in Yosemite because their campgrounds fill up immediately and I can never plan my trips that far in advance, but that means getting up early and waiting in line to ensure you have a spot. However, we got to Yosemite in the afternoon because we drove in from out of town, and the signs outside the entrance said all campgrounds were full including camp 4. We decided to head in and hike upper Yosemite falls and then figure out our camping situation later. On a whim, we stopped to talk to the ranger at camp 4 and she said a couple had just checked out early so there was an opening for two. We practically kissed her we were so excited. 

Camp 4 is pretty small so you don't get any privacy. 6 people are assigned to an area to share a table and fire pit (when allowed). Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere is incredible...until you want to go to bed. We knew we would be getting up early to hike so we wanted to sleep early but the party that is camp 4 continued until around midnight. 

Other than that, I have no complaints with camp 4. I was very grateful to have a place to camp in the valley and the price is great. Maybe bring some ear plugs if you don't plan on staying up late with everyone. I would definitely stay there again, but I would recommend getting there early on your first day because people start lining up in the wee hours of the morning to try for a spot. Also it was nice to have somewhere to park in the valley as parking can be challenging. Another thing to note is they do not allow you to sleep in your vehicle in the lot. 

Anything is amazing in Yosemite

Great place if your heading for a day of climbing. These are walk-in sites for tents only and are on a per person basis ( It fills up really fast ) parking is available adjacent to the campground, you will need a parking permit. It is close to the general store and showers.

Each campsite contains a **fire pit (no grill)**, **picnic table**, and **four shared food lockers** and is near a **bathroom with drinking water and flushing toilets**.

[MAP](http://MAPhttps://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/camp4map.pdf)

What an AMAZING place to stay in the park! 

Camp 4 is great if you want somewhere to lay your head on the cheap. It is right in the valley, so it is close to a lot of hikes and climbs! Its only $4 per person, up to 6 people per site. Everyone in your site shares the bench and firepit. My only complaint is that you get there as early as possible in hopes that you can get a spot for the night, Wait in line the whole morning and you may or may not get it. We were fortunate enough to get a spot, but I felt bad for those who spent their whole morning hoping to get in and wasting some good exploring hours!

I recommend getting there very early (7am should be fine depending on the day) setting up chairs in line, have your coffee and a book. Have fun and enjoy the views while you wait :)

Cheap, close to trails and climbs 

My boyfriend and I stayed at Camp 4 last June (2016) and it was worth it. We arrived at the campsite at 3:30AM and there was already 23 people sleeping in line. The ranger arrived at the kiosk at 8:30AM and we were lucky enough to get a campsite. We were able to start setting up camp at noon. Camp 4 is an awesome campsite because it's at the center of everything in the valley. There are restrooms, but no showers. I recommend this campsite!

Camp 4

So I want on a week long backpacking trip in June of 2017, right in the height of the heat wave in California. I spent a couple days in San Francisco before my trip, and unfortunately was naive in thinking my naturally tan self did not need sunscreen (I am from Indiana, and the sun is not nearly as close.) Anyways, I ended up with a second degree sunburn and severe heat exhaustion/stoke/whatever. I was so nauseous I was struggling to eat enough to sustain myself. After two nights in the backcountry and one night in the backpackers' camp, I had to accept I could not continue to solo backpack in my condition.

Camp 4 is first come, first serve. And I did not wake up early to get a campsite, completely unaware that the line gets incredibly long in the middle of the night. I was so very fortunate that I was the only solo camper, and received literally the last spot in the campground. So although I had no troubles getting a spot, I surpassed over 20+ people that morning who had been in line all night. My recommendations would be to get there very very early and plan to camp out in the line, especially if you have a larger group. Also, I would recommend going in the middle of the week, since more people are apt to be there on the weekends.

The campground itself was basic and sufficient. Each site holds 6 (or maybe it's 8 people, I forget) regardless of whether you know them or not. This was actually a benefit to my solo self, because I had people to talk to and I made some cool friendships. I had absolutely no issues with people messing with my stuff, even when I would leave it as I went on day hikes, of course never leave your valuables unattended just as a rule of thumb. The bathrooms were as you would suspect in a campground, not always the cleanest but definitely better than an outhouse! I did see housekeeping every day too. The water available was cold and refreshing and the shuttle stop was literally right across the street. The showers were a decent drive across the park, but again even without a car, the shuttle system is so easy to get everywhere and anywhere around the Valley.

This campground was definitely more than sufficient than my unexpected need. Although I would recommend trying to get a reservation at another campground if you are planning far enough ahead of time, that is purely because of the difficulty to get a site. It was a pleasant experience, and helped me recover and relax from my illness. The only thing I wish is that I had felt good enough to try bouldering on the boulders literally right beside the bathrooms, like much of the other climbers staying within the campground.

Unplanned Stay at Camp 4

Was on a ten day trip in Big Sur decided to take a break and spend a few days in Yosemite. Drove through the night and showed up at Camp 4 at 2am. We were the 20th person in line Waiting for a site to open the next day. Luckily we ended up with a site in the shared space pretty much have to hope there are enough people leaving or you’re out of luck. Ranger comes down in the morning and will let people in based on availability.

No reservation first serve

Camp 4 is Yosemite's only walk-in campground, which means you don't need reservation to stay. Of course, with such a popular destination, perfect location and lack of other options in the area, you'll need to get up early to find a spot.

This site sees a lot of traffic. While the location is great, the actual site resemble a large patch of well used dirt. During busy season, plan on other campers taking a festive approach to dinner and campfire life.

A Crowded and Over Used Campground in a Perfect Location

This is just lovely and close to everything you might want to see!

Beautiful!

awesome

this was the last stop on my cross country road trip from boston to san fran.
This place was amazing and had to be the best place ive ever camped! love the vibes and great people I met

Amazing

Camp 4 is legendary. Since it's a no reservation spot, it's a bit of a struggle to actually get a site (early wake up and wait in line situation), but it's definitely worth it. Once assigned to a campsite, there are plenty of trees and flat ground to set up your area. There are bathrooms, fire pits, a big boulder, and views for days! Would definitely recommend. Protip: get there on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds trying to get a spot!

Great, but crowded, campsite!

This is a first come first serve campground and the first time I’ve ever stayed in a campground where campers are paired together to maximize the space. A little concerned initially because I was camping with the family but it ended up working out just fine. My previous experience with camping in the valley just enforced my desire to find seclusion at higher elevations but We really enjoyed meeting a bunch of interesting people from all over the world and didn’t have any issues with sharing the campsite with other campers. Last minute camping is very difficult in Yosemite so this is an excellent option if you can get in. Recommend getting in line super early in peak season. Water levels were high and the valley was green and abundant with waterfalls.

Last Minute Jewel

no reservations. I would suggest lining up the morning of at least an hour before the office opens.

decent campgrounds. so over crowded but there’s really no other options in the park. it seemed like every campground was the same. 

great location in the valley, super close the the yosemite falls trailhead and the lower falls loop. there are spots here that are fairly shaded. it's first come first serve! we saw a little bit of wildlife and had a great time.

just what you need in the valley 

We were on a long motorcycle ride through Yosemite and crashed out for a night here. It was perfect

Great Basecamp Spot

Only walk in campground in the valley, the line can form the night before. We got there at 11pm the night before we wanted to check in, but most people show up early in the morning and are fine. You share a spot with a few other groups, bathrooms and water are at the campsite. Perfect for exploring the valley.

Walk in campground at Yosemite 

This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. It is so historic that it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places! While the campground is no longer home strictly to climbers, you'll still see many of them walking through, whether to find partners, or to project many of the classic boulders within the campground limits. It is the absolute best campground to stay in if you're climbing in the valley.

The facilities are top-notch (running water, toilets, trash bins, picnic tables, fire pits), as is the access to nearby climbing and hiking. It also happens to be one of the few campgrounds that doesn't take reservations in the park, so for these reasons, be sure to show up EARLY in the morning to snag a site. It is extremely popular. In June it's pretty hot, but fortunately there is ample shade.

Mecca of Yosemite climbing

Come early! There were a dozen people already in line when we arrived at 4:30a. These are shared sites meaning there are 6 people assigned per site to share a fire ring and it was $8 per person per night. Fires are regulated and strictly enforced- no fires 10p to 5a. The rangers will site you if you leave trash or food out unattended. There are reasons for the bear proof boxes provided and they take their bear safety seriously, which is appreciated. The ground squirrels were begging by day and racoons by night so it is keep loose items stored. There are no showers onsite but you can find some at neighboring campgrounds. We recommend the Green Dragon trolly tour. We got to hit all of the POI's while learning some history in 2.5 hrs or so. We saw plenty of deer along the way and slowed for all the best photos. Rangers offered coffee in the mornings by the Raffi Memorial Boulder across from the bathroom. We had a great site with access to an open area for some frisbee or just taking in the view. This is a park then walk-in campground so be prepared to walk a few hundred feet to your tent site…well worth it for the view up El Capitan from our site and Yosemite falls view from parking area.

We extended our stay it was so beautiful and well located in the valley

beautiful

Normally I don’t mind animals around the site, but the critters here are known for their scavenger abilities and getting into the bear cans. 

The bathrooms are well maintained considering how many people come in and out of this campground. Don’t try to get a site here on the weekend without some patience. We were infiltrated by another group who tried to take over our site. We had to have a discussion with the ranger in order to set the boundaries at the site. 

There were also many bear in campground sitings in the area due to food being left out. 

The views were incredible from the site and it was easy to get to trailheads from the campground. 

Insanely packed and animal filled

Traveling to Yosemite there are many options for camping. Even with in the park itself you will find numerous options. However one camping area is vastly more coveted than others. If you are a person who enjoys climbing camp 4 is your camp. 

  

I explored the camp to find out what all the hype was about. I noticed quickly that there is a sense of camaraderie that comes with a stay at this location. All of your items must be brought to your campsite from the parking lot therefore there are no RVs. The vast majority of those staying at camp for are those who are hoping to scale the Rocky crags of El Capitan and other large faces. 

  

The camp itself is not so different than other camps. In this area there a bear warnings posted everywhere, bear boxes available, standard restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings. 

  

But something you will only find at camp for our campers with a single voice. Your next-door neighbor maybe your climbing mate. You may end up sharing a meal with someone you have only met at the camp. Typically there is a waiting list to camp here during peak season so I don’t recommend coming on weekends or during the summer months expecting to find a walk in site here. 

  

From the camp access to the park is limitless. The trolley system will take you around the park to various locations of interest. You can access visitor centers museums and theaters within only a few moments. Special programs are featured in this area within walking distance. And for those staying for an extended amount of time laundry services are featured on premises within only a short trolley ride. 

  

Waking up in this camp is waking up to the heart of Yosemite. You’ll find the Fog of morning rising to meet the horizon, the shadows of the mountains casting down late in the afternoon and the whispering winds which once inspired John Muir himself. 

  

With all the pros of comradely there also come a lot of cons due to the overcrowding of this area. Many times in this area people seem in such a hurry to get out and about for the day that they often, despite animal warnings being posted, leave food within the camp. It is not uncommon for camps to be over run with smaller animals or even bears catching a scent. 

  

In addition, sometimes because of this same crowding the site lines can become a bit blurred. This is by no means a private site. If you are wanting something more remote, private or isolated there are many more options throughout the park which can accommodate those needs. 

  

This location is more about the access than the spacing itself.

Climbers Haven Campground

Majestic 

I am a tent camper and I am not a climber.  And I usually have some "youths" with me when I camp.  I stand in line for Camp 4 for a reason.  It is where most of the campers are climbers.  You share your site with others.  It is a great place to learn to share and also a great place just for campfire stories and to meet your neighbors. Best climbings stories ever are shared here.

When I feel socialable this is a good place to be. You will share a site, probabaly a food storage locker and be close to your neighbors.  If you do not store your food in the locker you will have visitors.  The large bear kind or the small aggressive ground squirrel kind.

You are in Yosemite Valley on the bus line.  You can get anywhere from here.

Social Camping & Sharing At It's Best

Lots of history at this campground for rock climbers. I ended up at this spot during the off-season when it wasn’t too busy so not many people were here. The layout is community style which makes it good for meeting folks who are climbing. Met someone who was biking and we did a road loop around the park.

Rock Climbers Galore  

This campground is fine. We stayed during covid and despite the reduced capacity it was crowded and mask wearing was not what we would have liked. Cabins are very close to each other so you are right on top of the next group. Not easy to sit outside and hang out. 

Crowded 

It’s a lottery. Day before lottery. Super excited we got to stay. Max nights is 7 nights. Showers and bathroom facilities are all new. 

Open year-round [by lottery](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10004152?tab=info), Camp 4 is a popular campground for rock climbers attempting the trek up El Capitan. Because of its popularity, its 25 campsites are hard to come by. Each includes a picnic table, fire pit and bear lockers (shared). There are flush toilets and potable water nearby. Tents only, and no animals allowed.

Great base for climbing El Capitan

Felicidad

Absolutely love the views and the animals running around smells so fresh

Most beautiful place I’ve ever been 

Absolutely stunning views. I was more mesmerized by the trees than rock formations but all were gorgeous. 

Falls aren’t… falling (haha) at this time of year but it was still amazing to hike and enjoy this park. 


B-e-a-utiful!

Great place to stay! Sign in was at a kiosk. Beautiful view of the falls. We got lucky there wasn’t too much snow, just patches 

Stayed at Camp 4 in Feb 2022

Always love staying at camp 4. The new upgrades are great!

Great stay

We recently visited Yosemite and camped one night at Camp 4 , September 19-20th, 2023. We, however, missed the memo that the sites are shared if you do not have 6 people in your party. The site will be filled with as many parties as it takes to reach 6 individuals at each site (during busy season). This may or may not result in an unpleasant experience for you but the people we joined were less than impressed we were joining the site and didn’t make room for us. Awkward! No photos of the site due to the tense situation. 

\*\*The rangers are very serious about bear/ wildlife safety in Yosemite. All scented items must be placed inside of the bear lockers at your site when not in use or there will be unwanted visitors.\*\* 

As a semi mobile individual, I found that walk-in site 1 was close to the parking lot and near the restrooms. There is a wheelbarrow available to move your belongings from the car to your campsite, located at the check-in kiosk. The restrooms did have running water, flushing toilets, a potable water/ dish washing station. Note there is no soap in the restrooms (at least not during our visit there weren't even dispensers), so bring your own soap, sanitizer, or wipes. 

This site/campground is close to multiple hiking trails including a couple that were under 2 miles with minimal elevation gain, numerous rock-climbing sites and a bus stop to the rest of the park, which you can find by walking from the check-in kiosk, around the edge of the parking lot, out to the bench just off the road. 

Don’t miss sunrise from Tunnel View! It is a phenomenal view and experience. 

As of May 21, 2023. through Sept ember 30, 2023, campsites will be available only by reservation via Recreation.gov one week in advance of your arrival date. October 2023 through May 2024 sites are first come first served, unless posted otherwise.

Yosemite, Camp 4 - Site 1

It's been great. This time of year is a little less crowded. Except this Xmas holiday time. The winter weather enhances the experience of you are up for that.

Upper Pines Campground 

If you call yourself a climber or hiker trash, you're required to stay at Camp 4. Camp 4 is probably the most famous and iconic campground in Yosemite Valley. It's notorious for having a loud party culture, although that has been settling down since the park brought back Camp Hosts to Camp 4 in 2024 after not having any for many years. Several sites at this campground are permanently dedicated to volunteers such as camp hosts, bear rangers, and med students, which is why some of the tents look big enough to live in for extended periods of time. There are a lot of rules at Camp 4 and they are very heavily enforced. Camp hosts and rangers rove this campground several times a day leaving dozens of brightly colored warnings in their wake. The biggest rule is that all food and scented items that aren't within arms reach must be stored in the bear locker. Hammocks can't be hung from black oak trees, and fires are only allowed from 5pm to 10pm (they are very strict on this). Firewood must be purchased within the park to prevent the spread of invasive species. Camp 4 is shared which means that each camp site has six spots which sell for $10/ night each. You can't get a discount with a pass on group sites although you can still get free entry to the park. If you're with a group, try to book under the same reservation so that you are assigned to the same site. Otherwise, if you ask the rangers in the kiosk or at the Curry Village Campground Ranger Station at least 24 hours ahead of time, they will do everything they can to work it out for you. Showers are available for free but are often closed down due to vandalism, in which case the nearest showers are unfortunately across the valley in curry Village. Camp 4 is literally in the middle of the trail to upper Yosemite Falls so the view of Yosemite Falls is better than in any other campground. This is a great place to stay if you want to network and meet other hikers and climbers but is a terrible place to stay if you want a decent night's sleep. The parking lot is very strict and hard to get a space but there is a huge free parking lot right across the street where you could leave your car for a whole week without getting a ticket. 

Photos of Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

Real photos from real campers