Camping in Yosemite valley

Hi,

I'm planning to come to Yosemite valley for climbing end on June for one week, but all campgrounds are full. What would you recommend:
 - find a place on the spot on 'first come first serve'
 - look for a place further, like el portal, or even further at mariposa?

Thanks for your feedback.

François

If you have the time, check back often (at least daily) on recreation.gov. There are often cancellations that provide openings. You probably won't find a spot for the whole week, but you may be able to piece several days together. Check all three reservable campgrounds in the Valley. Good luck.

Camp 4 is the way to go.  Just show up early and wait in line and you should easily be able to get your week place to stay.

Dustin K wrote: Camp 4 is the way to go.  Just show up early and wait in line and you should easily be able to get your week place to stay.

And by early, we mean like 4 AM. 

C Archibolt wrote:

And by early, we mean like 4 AM. 

That’s going to depend upon the day of the week. Fri-Sun yes, other days can start lining up later (6ish)

Many thanks for your answers.

Maybe, Tamarack flat is less crowd for the queue. Any feedback on that?

Cheers,

François

Francois Le Rue wrote: Many thanks for your answers.

Maybe, Tamarack flat is less crowd for the queue. Any feedback on that?

Cheers,

François

Is that in the Meadows? I might not be open in June. Last year some of the Meadows campgroups were burried in August. Granted that was a big snow year. 

Camp 4 is the best option because its the best campground to meet other climbers, get beta, and its a historic climbing location. Plus there's bouldering in and around the campground and the SAR team is nearby and awesome.

Simply put--Camp 4 is the only choice a climber should be considering in the Valley. The other campgrounds are for tourists, and you're not a tourist.

Jim H wrote: Camp 4 is the best option because its the best campground to meet other climbers, get beta, and its a historic climbing location. Plus there's bouldering in and around the campground and the SAR team is nearby and awesome.

Simply put--Camp 4 is the only choice a climber should be considering in the Valley. The other campgrounds are for tourists, and you're not a tourist.

Is that still true? Last June I stayed in Camp 4 and I was mostly surrounded by tourist families. It wasn't the "scene" I expected. 

Francois Le Rue wrote
Maybe, Tamarack flat is less crowd for the queue. Any feedback on that?

Not in the Valley proper and a longish commute if you're going back to camp every day (especially at the end of the day with traffic leaving), but could work. Camp 4 is the standard. Once you get a spot you're good for the week. T. Flat has more space and is a little more private though. 

C Archibolt wrote:

Is that still true? Last June I stayed in Camp 4 and I was mostly surrounded by tourist families. It wasn't the "scene" I expected. 

The annual seven day limit is in effect from roughly May 1st to September 15th. That's a good guideline to when the weather is warmer and the non-climbers peak.

Gee Dubble wrote: ... just east of the Awanhee,...

Remembering that the Awanhee is now called The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and appears that way on all the signage. There are no signs for the Awanhee.

Gee Dubble wrote: Check out the walk-in/backpackers campground just east of the Awanhee, north of Stables, too 

Good hint, thanks

Gee Dubble wrote: 
Check out the walk-in/backpackers campground just east of the Awanhee, north of Stables, too 

Francois Le Rue wrote:

Good hint, thanks

From the Yosemite NP website:

Backpackers' campgrounds are available for wilderness permit holders to spend one night before and one night after a wilderness trip. Reservations are neither necessary nor required. However, a valid wilderness permit is required to stay at the campground. Half Dome day hiker permit holders may not stay at backpackers' campgrounds.
The fee is $6 per person (pay using envelopes at the campground; exact change required). Parking is not available at campgrounds; instead park at designated overnight parking areas and walk to the backpackers' campground.