If you’ve read our previous blogs, you might already have had an idea how amazing Yosemite is, particularly Camp4! Camp 4 takes pride in the many breathtaking views that Yosemite National Park has to offer. Aside from a camping experience, you can also enjoy other recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding. If you want to experience these exciting activities, you should first get Yosemite Camp 4 reservations.
You will need to secure a reservation a day in advance through recreation.gov. Take note that you can only make two reservations for every website visit or phone call. You may repeat the process for additional reservations.
Are you interested to know more about the details and tips to secure a spot in Camp 4 Yosemite? Keep on reading! Moving forward, this blog will discuss important details on reservation and registration. Also, it will answer some of your queries on camping at Yosemite.
How Do I Secure Yosemite Camp 4 Reservations?
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Yosemite Camp 4 reservations are not required. People arrive on the campground and reserve on a first-come-first-served basis. They paid $6 per person for every night’s stay. Upon arriving at Camp 4, campers need to register with the ranger, which comes at the kiosk as early as 8:30 am.
The rangers assign six people to every campsite. Hence, if you will come in groups, there’s a chance that you will not stay together. If you think staying in Camp 4 will be fun, you can register for up to the maximum stay limit. In this way, you won’t have to register every day.
During the winter season, Camp 4 only operates on a self-registration setup. Unlike the rest of the year, the rangers do not oversee registration in these chilly months. However, they will still patrol the campground throughout the day,
As Camp 4 opened on May 21, 2021, it started requiring a reservation for every camper who wishes to stay at the campground. This system will help the National Park Service to limit the crowd and ensure safety. As part of the pilot program, campsites in Camp 4 are only available through a daily lottery. People can reserve in advance through the link mentioned above.
What are the Lottery Details for the Application?
If you aim to make a Yosemite Camp 4 reservation, you can access the lottery from 12 midnight to 4 pm. Pacific time. Results are rolled out through an email shortly after 4 pm. The maximum stay limit is up to seven nights, which people can apply for.
For every lottery, individuals may only submit one application, which is good for six people. The maximum number of people includes the applicant. But that excludes children below two years old.
Take note that you will have to pay a $10 non-refundable fee for every application of up to six persons. Furthermore, $6 per person for every night’s stay will be charged once the registration is successful.
You may visit the reservation site or call 877/444-6777. Again, only two reservations are acceptable for every website visit or phone call. You may repeat the process for additional reservations.
What are the Campsite Details to Consider?
Camp 4 in Yosemite is known for being a walk-in site. Hence, campers may only sleep in tents and RVs are not allowed. If you are planning to drive your car, you may park it in a lot near the campground. However, you will need to secure a parking permit from spring through fall. Upon registering, you may already receive your permit.
Unlike before the pandemic, there’s a chance that you will stay at a campsite with strangers. However, to limit the spread of the Covid-19, you may now experience enjoying the night with your camping buddies.
Additionally, due to the proximity of campsites, staying at Camp 4 may not be peaceful. However, you can take advantage of the shaded sites and mostly leveled tent areas.
What are the Other Necessary Permits in Yosemite National Park?
Notably, Camp 4 is well-known for its significant role in developing rock climbing as a sport. The National Register of Historic Places recognized its importance for being home to many rock climbers. One of the amazing places in Yosemite to experience rock climbing is the Half Dome.
Half Dome has an elevation of 4,737 feet and 8,844 feet above Yosemite Valley and the sea level. Moreover, it has amazing rock formations, which most climbers and hikers find challenging.
If you’re up for this adventure, you will need to secure a Half Dome permit, which you can also apply for at the recreation.gov site. Day hike permits are provided via the lottery system. These permits are required seven days a week when the cables are up.
What Should I Expect After Applying in the Lottery?
Of course, you should expect the best outcome! Know that bookings from May through September and for some weekends quickly fill once they become accessible. This happens within a few seconds or minutes after 7 am!
If you are fortunate to reserve successfully, you will receive an email to notify you about it. However, if you’re not granted, you can always try again to reserve a date by repeating the same process. After a successful lottery application, courteous rangers will welcome you to the campground.
Important Tips Campers Should Know
Every aspect you need to deal with before the camping day could be a hassle. So, keep in mind these tips and details that every camper should know when camping at Yosemite.
- The campground is not currently operating on a first-come-first-served basis. Hence, you should not just appear at the entrance early in the morning to secure a spot. Instead, secure a reservation a day before your camping day through the lottery system.
- If you fail to check-in at 8:30 am on the day after your expected arrival date, your reservation will be forfeited. Note that you can’t refund the $10 registration fee.
- The debit or credit card used for the lottery will be charged for other remaining fees after a successful registration. However, if the charge is declined, the reservation will also be forfeited. Therefore, make sure that you have enough balance in your account.
- The NPS prohibits resale or auction of successful lottery applications.
- If your lottery application is successful, you should check in with your group on the reserved date from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, if you arrive after the kiosk has closed, you must check in the following day at 8:30 am.
- Successful applicants and their group members should be 16 years or older. In line with this policy, each camper must be present when checking in. You will be asked to show a government-issued identification card for verification purposes.
- Always check with the ranger at the kiosk if you want to extend your stay. If not, check-out time is usually at noon.
Camping Regulations at Camp 4
Before making a Yosemite Camp 4 reservation, you may first want to consider the regulations in the campground. That’s because some things you may wish to do can be prohibited, so check out what you can and cannot do at Camp 4.
- Since this is a tent-only campsite, you may not sleep in your RVs or trailers.
- Pets are prohibited in the campground, except for Service Animals.
- Campers should properly store food in bear-proof food lockers. Hence, you should not leave scented food items in your tent or car.
- Help Yosemite maintain a clean and green park by leaving excess packaging at home. Also, you can use refillable bottles and food containers. Please place recyclable wastes in their designated bins.
- Do not move firewood to protect the forests.
Weather Conditions and Emergencies
Regardless of reservation, the campground may close with short notice. Expect a closure when the National Weather Service forecasts:
- a wind of over 30mph; or
- over one foot of snowfall for more than 24 hours.
In this case, road conditions may also change due to these weather conditions. So, before coming out of your door, please call (209) 372-0200 to inquire about road and weather conditions at Yosemite.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Yosemite is a fun adventure, but camping at Camp 4 will make this experience a great one. However, now that we’re on a pandemic, Yosemite Camp 4 reservations are necessary to secure a campsite. Applying in the lottery could add up to the hassle, but it is worth it. After a successful application, you can show up at the entrance anytime from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and claim the spot.
If you have taken note of all the reservation details above, then the process will be smooth. With our tips in mind, you can minimize the hassle. After getting through the reservation process, a great experience awaits!
