Best Campgrounds near Columbia, CA

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.

thsi place is a wonderful little hide away in the woods along the south fork of the stanaslusec river it has so many different opportunity's to have fun and adventure from gold panning to hiking to small fishing it has it all you can pretty much come here and enjoy your self all the time please make sure to pack out what you pack in.  Form getting in the river and checking under them rocks for that there gold even after that form hiking all around on the 160 acure area your tired and sore why not take a nice hot shower at the rest rooms yes that is right there is hot showers in the middle of the woods waht to wind down there is a wonderful little fire fit for yall to enjoy and have such a wonderful time roasting marshmellows and eatign s'mores

We just returned from RV camping at Cole Ranch and highly recommend it.  The grassy hook-up RV sites were big and welcoming.  The shoreline overlooking the river was relaxing, quiet and inviting. Barry the camp host was amazing.  He was attentive, informative and available.  The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations.  Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc.  The extra touches made you feel at home.  One afternoon we took out one of the facilities canoes on the river and relaxed on the water all afternoon.  Fishing was a success, what a bonus. We will definitely be returning next year with family and friends.  Barry thank you for the delightful experience.