Friendly Camp Hosts (volunteers at gate or rangers). Three two hour times to run generators (7-9AM, Noon-2PM, 5-7PM). Small brook runs a few feet at the back of the site. Lots of shade with two pockets of sun around site for solar panels/chargers. Bathroom nearby (no showers). Hot showers a short drive to Housekeeping Camp (so nice…clean towels available at no cost. Great laundromat so pack less and wash, bring lots of quarters. $3.50 for the 30 minute wash (small drum) and $0.50 for a 10 minute dry (large drum). Took only 20 mins to dry two full wash loads in one dryer).
Easy bike ride to Curry Village (aka Half Dome Village). $25 pizzas are worth it. Guest house Wi-Fi is intermittent, but the only way to get a signal on Verizon for checking permits in Daily Lotteries, email, etc. T-mobile did have intermittent coverage at site 214. AT&T same as Verizon. Firewood, camping supplies, limited groceries/food and lots of souvenirs. Bar area has cafeteria style restaurant with some lunch/dinner options.
Great bike trails around the valley.
Bring your Kayak or rent a tube. (GoPaddling app shows drop and extraction points…Stoneman Bridge to Sentinel Beach. (Or if the camp host is willing, North Pines to Sentinel Beach). Mid June water level was low in some points with round rocks. No issue, but in July/Aug, might require navigating around shallow areas)
Great site to walk (or bike) to trailhead for John Muir to Mist to Half Dome. 19 miles from Site 214 to Mist to HD Summit and back down flatter JMT (vs. Mist) to Site 214. 14 hours at a very slow pace. Probably more like 12 hours for most people.
Hammocks require cardboard. Oaks are protected and not allowed to be used for hammocks.
We parked an Integra RV, 25 foot and t-bone parked a Highlander SUV (very tight to get all wheels on the pad). Tree small branches overhang at about 11’.
Great location in the Valley. Highly recommend.