Camp 4 Yosemite – Everything You Need to Know

Camp 4 in Yosemite is another campsite found in the beautiful Yosemite National Park. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, Yosemite park is in the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of Central California. Additionally, Camp 4 boasts of a breathtaking landscape and many of the features we know and love for Yosemite National Park. The best part of the camp is found right at the heart of the Yosemite valley.

In Yosemite, you can find other campsites, each with its unique breathtaking features. These other sites include:

  1. Lower Pines
  2. Upper Pines
  3. North Pines
  4. Wawona 
  5. Bridalveil Creek
  6. Crane Flat
  7. Hodgdon Meadow
  8. Porcupine Flat 
  9. Tamarack Flat
  10. White Wolf
  11. Tuolumne Meadows
  12. Yosemite Creek

However, as at the time of writing, only Upper pines are open in line with COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, aside from camping, you can enjoy numerous activities in Yosemite. Due to its age, you can find many historically significant relics and other archaeological relevant data. Similarly, you can see wildlife like black bears, mule deer, coyotes, and more in Yosemite National Park. 

ATTENTION: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp 4 Yosemite is currently closed till further notice. However, some other campsites in Yosemite are open at a limited capacity and require reservations. 

You may want to confirm whether a campsite is open in response to health guidelines or weather reports. You can check for the operational status of different parks here.

Camp 4 Yosemite: General Information

Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley, near Yosemite village at an elevation of 4,000 ft. It has 36 campsites open to six people per site. They offer a reservation lottery that you can take advantage of during certain months of the year. It is accessible all-year-round except otherwise stated.

Camp 4 is a walk-in camp, so RV’s aren’t allowed on site. Then again, they offer a parking lot to ensure your vehicle is safe and out of other people’s way. Sadly, you will have to leave your pets at home since they aren’t welcome on campgrounds. Notwithstanding, there are many things to enjoy in Yosemite National Park. 

Camp 4 Yosemite National Park is extremely popular among rock climbers. They usually gather here, practice together on boulders, and share their climbing tales. One of the most common things Camp 4 gets associated with is the friendly, community-like atmosphere it provides. However, due to this camaraderie, some campers may blur lines and cross each other’s boundaries.

Checkin and Checkout Time

Unlike the other campsites that require a reservation, Camp 4 Yosemite Valley is more of a first-come, first-served type. Nevertheless, if you arrive at the campgrounds after the kiosk closes, you will need to check-in before 10:00 a.m PDT. The standard check-in and check-out times are at noon PDT.

Utilities

Connecting to utility systems like water spigots and electric outlets in Camp 4 grounds is banned. They do not provide electrical connection and water supply between users and a power source (hookups). You will depend on stored water and battery power.

Wastewater Handling

Designated utility drains are available for their wastewater disposal to ensure proper handling. There are also sewage disposal dump stations for you to get rid of sewage.

Clotheslines, Hammocks, Slacklines, and Other Tension Lines

As long as tension lines do not pose a threat for hazard or tree damage, you can attach them to campsite trees. However, you must provide padding to prevent damage to trees. You aren’t allowed to connect these lines to oak trees even if you follow the required due process.

You may use slacklines in line with the regulations listed above within 200 ft of Camp 4 Yosemite National Park

Quiet and Generator Hours

Designated quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day. You can use a WEN portable inverter generator at the following times:

  • 7 a.m – 9 a.m
  • 12 p.m – 2 p.m 
  • 5 p.m – 7 p.m

Camping Limit

In one calendar year, there is a 30-night camping limit in Yosemite National Park. It is important to note that there are additional limits affected by calendar dates and specific campsites.

Firewood Collection

Firewood collection is only permitted around the boundaries of Yosemite valley but not within the Camp 4 grounds. Many rules apply to the size and location of firewood sourcing. Therefore, it’s best to get wood from stores near the camp.

Camp 4 Yosemite: Amenities

You will never run out of something to do at Camp 4 Yosemite. It is good to know that the place offers a variety of amenities to visitors as follows: 

  • Picnic tables
  • Bear-proof food lockers
  • A fire ring
  • Restrooms with sinks and flush toilets
  • Tap water
  • Payphones
  • Showers
  • Free shuttle service
  • A map of Camp 4 Yosemite National Park

Camp 4 Yosemite: Activities

There are numerous activities visitors will enjoy while staying at Camp 4. Consequently, moving around the camps in Yosemite Valley is relatively easy with their free shuttle system. The shuttles can go almost everywhere within the valley and takes anyone interested to enjoy these activities. Generally, the scope of fun activities at any campsite could be broad or specific.

You can enjoy various Camp 4 Yosemite activities like rock climbing, nature walks, and more. However, some more specific exercises you can enjoy at Camp 4 in Yosemite are:

  • Glacier point visits for a beautiful view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley
  • A visit to the happy isles for its nature center and trails to Nevada falls and Vernal.
  • A short hike to the mirror lake that offers a close-up view of Half Dome
  • A tour of the Valley Visitor and Wilderness centers
  • Enjoy trails around the valley and along the Merced River. The river connects to viewpoints and picnic areas.
  • Enjoy nature and history programs. You can also take free or affordable classes on nature and photography walks, history tours, art children’s programs, and more. 
  • Indulge in outdoor adventures

Camp 4 Yosemite: Regulations

To maintain cleanliness and security, Camp 4 Yosemite implements strict regulations in the area. These rules are straightforward to remember and follow.

  1. From May to September You can only use campfires from 5 p.m – 10 p.m
  2. You need to store food in trunks with AIEVE bear-proof locks. You shouldn’t keep food in your vehicle.
  3. As long as all tents fit into a campsite, there is no tent limit, but they only allow six people (including kids) per campsite.
  4. They do not allow pets on Camp 4.

Camp 4 Yosemite: Registration, Reservations, and Charges

Camp 4 Yosemite reservations are not necessary since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. From spring till fall, the camp venue is usually full early in the morning before it is time to check-in from spring till fall. Other times, there will be a line before the camp ranger arrives, and campsites may be full before everyone on the line gets to register. 

They allow you to register for the maximum number of days you plan to stay. Registration is per person at a fee of $6/night. Because of this policy, there is a chance your group may get assigned to different campsites. 

During winter months, since the campsite is less busy, they employ self-registration. However, a ranger patrols the camp during the day. Lastly, you can get a reservation with a lottery.

Camp 4 Yosemite: Staff, Campground, and Facilities

Camp 4 Yosemite camp rangers and staff are helpful to give you tips and answer your questions. Yet, they do not hesitate to enforce camp rules.

The staff and personnel do their best to maintain the cleanliness of the campsite. However, these facilities might not be as clean during busy hours for obvious reasons.

Camp 4 Yosemite Valley tends to get very crowded. Despite this, the bathrooms are well-maintained. Despite bear warnings, excited guests tend to forget to store meals in the bear-proof lockers. These actions cause bears and smaller animals to enter the campsite. Nevertheless, the sites are clean overall. 

Camp 4 Yosemite: Useful Tips

Below are some more tips to make your stay in Camp 4 Yosemite more memorable and fun: 

  • Try to wake up early. The view and atmosphere are worth the few hours of sleep you will miss.
  • Bring a lot of patience. You will need it, primarily when registering.
  • Try to show up early to secure a spot.
  • The park offers free astronomy classes, but you can avoid the crowds by staying up late.
  • If you have time, pack a Coleman cooler to prevent needing to use up your patience on the lines.
  • Even if you aren’t with your group, try to be open-minded and adventurous to enjoy the community spirit.
  • There are many activities to do in Yosemite National Park, so try to enjoy them while you are there. If you are not a crowds person, it is best to steer clear of tourist spots.
  • Bring Earbuds earphones with you. You may need them.
  • Have an additional power source.

Camp 4 Yosemite: Summary

Whether you are a rock climber or a nature lover, Camp 4 Yosemite is a place you should visit. Remember to take a truck full of patience and a spirit yearning for adventure to enjoy your stay. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the other activities you can do at Camp 4.

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