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

  • 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.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    35 sites
    Up to 6 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    No pets
    Amenities
    Potable water available
    Showers available
    Picnic table available

    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.

    Forest
    Lake
    River, stream, or...
    Swimming hole
    Waterfall
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    10 Reviews

    750
    No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
    Drop some Camp 4 Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Sarah
    Sarah F.
    recommends this listing.
    April 19th, 2019

    I love campo 4!

    Hipcamper Sierra
    Sierra R.
    recommends this listing.
    March 1st, 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!

    Hipcamper Jess
    Jess T.
    recommends this listing.
    August 30th, 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!

    Hipcamper Lindsay
    Lindsay R.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    November 5th, 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!

    Hipcamper Brittany
    Brittany M.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    July 25th, 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.

    Hipcamper Deanna
    Deanna E.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    July 11th, 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!

    Hipcamper Scott
    Scott D.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 4th, 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!

    Hipcamper Matthew
    Matthew W.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    September 6th, 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.

    Hipcamper Clay
    Clay W.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    July 7th, 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.

    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)