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Camp 4 Campground

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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

Camp 4 operates on a reservation system from late May to the end of September. During this time, reservations become available seven days in advance at 7am PT.

Camping reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 444-6777. Try to be online at 7am PT to reserve sites the moment they are released, or sign up for Hipcamp Alerts to get notified of cancellations.

From October to May, all Camp 4 sites become available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of the campground's popularity, walk-in campsites often fill up by early morning, so set your alarm early for a spot.

Camp 4 reverts to a reservation system for Fridays through Sundays in mid-February during the annual Yosemite Firefall phenomena at Horsetail Falls. Firefall reservations are typically released all at once in December. Check the park’s website or call the ranger station at (209) 372-0200 for dates and information.

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.

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Available campgrounds nearby

More to explore nearby

95%

21 ratings · 10 reviews

Sarah F.recommends

April 19, 2019

I love campo 4!

Sierra R.recommends

March 1, 2019

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!

Jess T.recommends

August 30, 2018

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!

Lindsay R.

November 5, 2017

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!

Brittany M.

July 25, 2017

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.

Deanna E.

July 11, 2017

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!

Scott D.

March 4, 2017

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!

Matthew W.

September 6, 2015

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.

Clay W.

July 7, 2015

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.

Olivia B.

May 19, 2015

Best to show up in the wee hours of the morning. Bring your sleeping bag and take a nap in line. Whole party has to be present when the ranger arrives.

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Your guide to camping in Camp 4 Campground

Overview

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 paths are available in Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if and only if you’re nice and obey traffic laws). Just remember, rangers patrols these parts and if you’re under 18 wear a helmet! Bikes for rent are available during the regular season.To all you mudhounds just remember, off-trail riding, mountain biking, and use of motorized bicycles or scooters on bike paths are not permitted in the park.

Fishing

There is a plethora of fishing options in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout. The late opening includes the first 1/2 mile of Frog Creek up to the first waterfall, including the pool below this waterfall. The late opening also extends 200 feet from the mouth of Frog Creek out onto the surface of Lake Eleanor and along its shore for a distance of 200 feet from the creek's mouth. Otherwise, all lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.If fly fishing is your thing, then you are in luck! Fly fishing in Yosemite is the stuff that dreams are made of (yes this is what we dream about). There is a lot of great info on the best fly fishing in Yosemite.Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.

Hiking

The Yosemite Falls Trail starts right next to Camp 4 and ascends to provide awesome views of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point on the valley's north rim. The Valley Loop Trail meanders past Camp 4 as well. You can also catch a free bus ride to hiking trails throughout the valley at the Valleywide Shuttle stop #7 near Camp 4.

Horseback riding

Why not see Yosemite... via a mule or on horseback !? Guided mule rides, both pack and saddle trips, overnight boarding facilities, spot packing, and day rides are available are available through DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite from spring through fall.Stock sites are available seasonally at Wawona and Bridalveil Creek horse camps which have two sites each; the Tuolumne Meadows horse camp has four sites. Each site can accommodate up to six people and six head of stock. There is a limit of two vehicles and two stock trailers per parking area.Wilderness stock users may also use one of two sites at the Hetch Hetchy Backpackers' Campground.

Paddling

Within Yosemite’s vast natural wonder are many places to go kayaking . Visitors can enjoy the park by water on the Merced River, Tuolumne River or on Teneya Lake.

Climbing

We don't use the words "world-renowned" unless it is something truly deserving...which brings us the the world-renowned climbing of Yosemite. Some of the most famous boulder problems in Yosemite surround Camp 4, including Midnight Lighting and King Cobra. The park’s climbing rangers and stewards also host a Climbers Coffee meetup Sunday mornings at Camp 4 from spring to fall. If you’re a beginner looking for a guided climb in Yosemite, check out the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service.

Snow sports

Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.

Swimming

You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , however we suggest you go the more au natural route. Swimming is permitted in pretty much every body of water in the park, except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls. A popular spot for this is in the Merced River (we HIGHLY suggest the Swinging Bridge swimming hole ).There are also some natural rock water slides that many people keep secret. We’re all about spreading the love here at Hipcamp, so here is a good place to start your your rock-slide research... )

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 relaxing. The best (and only) time to do this is in the summer between June and July (usually). You can most definitely rent a raft during this time or if you choose, you can bring your very own non-motorized vessel (aka kayak, inflated tire, or boat sculpted from a tree). Another great option is to kayak the serene waters of Tenaya Lake.

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 peregrine falcons may also be spotted nearby.