Camp 4 Campground
Description
Stay at Yosemite’s Camp 4 and you’ll be sleeping on some of the most hallowed ground in all of rock climbing. From this humble, tent-only campground with 36 campsites at the base of El Capitan, generations of Yosemite Valley climbers have pioneered new limits on the surrounding big walls and boulders. Once the park’s dedicated walk-in campground, Camp 4 now requires reservations during the summer season (made available seven days in advance). Still, Camp 4’s central valley floor location and constant climbing activity makes it Yosemite’s unofficial adventure headquarters. Campsites are a short walk in from a shared parking lot and feature picnic tables and fire rings.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Camp 4 operates year-round. Summer is Yosemite’s busiest season, with excellent weather and long days perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, and exploring. Spring and fall can be great alternatives to crowded summers, when you’ll feel like you have more of the park to yourself—just plan for chilly weather and rain. Winter tent campers at Camp 4 should expect sub-freezing temperatures at night with the possibility of snow. Experience with winter camping and driving in snow is recommended.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
If you prefer to travel on a two wheeled vehicle, then you’re in luck! Why is that? Well there are over 12 miles of paved bike ...Read more
Fishing
There is a plethora of fishing options in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The season for stream and river fishing begins on...Read more
Hiking
The Yosemite Falls Trail starts right next to Camp 4 and ascends to provide awesome views of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point ...Read more
Horseback riding
Why not see Yosemite... via a mule or on horseback !? Guided mule rides, both pack and saddle trips, overnight boarding facili...Read more
Paddling
Within Yosemite’s vast natural wonder are many places to go kayaking . Visitors can enjoy the park by water on the Merced Rive...Read more
Climbing
We don't use the words "world-renowned" unless it is something truly deserving...which brings us the the world-renowned climbin...Read more
Snow sports
Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winte...Read more
Swimming
You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , howev...Read more
Whitewater paddling
A popular activity is rafting along the Merced River. It is a great way to cover a lot of ground in little time and is very rel...Read more
Wildlife watching
Keep your eyes peeled for black bears (and lock up your food!) when staying at Camp 4. Mule deer, western pond turtles, and per...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Camp 4 Campground.
10 Reviews
I love campo 4!
Its the legendary Camp 4. Be kind to all, store your food in the designated lockers and clean up everything on your way out. Come EARLY if you expect to get a spot -- or come in the off season!
Camp 4 is a mecca for climbers in the US, and it is the perfect place to stay for long days of climbing in the Valley. You're in the perfect location to walk/bike anywhere in the valley, and fantastic climbing (including one of the most famous boulders in the world) is within a stones throw from this site!
There is a great environment here. Shared campsites mean meeting new people and learning about places to explore within the park. This site seems popular among climbers too!
People were sleeping in line the night before. I arrived at 4am and was 28th in line. Everyone else had been there since at lease midnight, some as early as 8pm. I honestly wish I had just come up the night before and slept in line. There were plenty of spots if you arrived by 6am, but this was a Tuesday morning.
The camp was full and they pack you in 6 to a site no matter how many people are in your party, You share a fire pit, but get assigned your own bear box(es). The camp is in a great location, not too close to the village, so it feels a little remote, but you can easily get to anywhere in the valley either by walking or using the shuttle system.
Would definitely stay here again.
Get there Very early if you want to ensure getting a place, its a great experience you share each spot with 3 other campers and make new friends, base of the Yosemite Falls hike starts near the entrance of the camp. I can't wait to get back!
Even though this February flooded California, Camp 4 was still providing amazing views. The people I met were awesome and great to share the site with. Good vibes!
Visited in November to a pleasantly half-empty campground, full of climbers and fellow New Zealanders. I'd suggest coming a little earlier as the Tioga Road gets closed around this time. Good temperatures for walking. A bear wandered past my tent one night, which was exciting. Go easy on bringing food with you as you have to lug it to your campsite bear locker, and there's a well-stocked shop in the valley.
Quiet hours: 2200 - 0600
Until 0530 July 3rd the line wasn't bad - ranger showed up super early at 0738 to hand out numbers even though sign said 0830 for ranger. Everyone must be there when the ranger hands out numbers, no exceptions on busy mornings.
- Park
- Yosemite National Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 209-372-8502
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 37.741° N, 119.604° W
- $5/night
- Tent / Van: 35 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)