Camp 4 is a historic campground in Yosemite National Park – and that’s not even hyperbole; the campground is listed with the National Register of Historic Places “for its significant association with the history of modern rock climbing in America.” Camp 4 has 35 shared walk-in tent campsites. While reservations need to be booked months in advance at other campgrounds in Yosemite Valley, Camp 4 is the exception, allowing reservations on a 7-day rolling basis, meaning that you can only book a site 7 days in advance. In this way, Camp 4 honors is long-held first-come first-serve traditions. Reserve your space at Camp 4 at recreation.gov.
Camp 4 is a popular year-round campground in the heart of Yosemite Valley. During the spring, summer, and fall, expect Camp 4 to be completely full just about every night.
Before online reservations were accepted, prospective campers would line up early in the morning for chances at campsites. A ranger opens the campground kiosk at 8:30 in the morning, but the line would form before that. If you want a campsite at Camp 4 without a reservation, show up at dawn and get in the queue at the kiosk outside the campground.
For available sites, the rate is $10 per person per night (priceas of 2024). Since space at Camp 4 Campground is filled on a per-person basis, everyone in your group must be standing in line to register to camp. Each campsite can be assigned to six people. Groups can be split or combined in order to fill each site. Because campsites are shared to host as many campers as possible, Camp 4 offers a communal hostel-like camping experience.
During winter months, the demand for Camp 4 subsides and prospective campers may self-register for campsites.
The 35 walk-in sites are for tents only and up to 6 people. Sleeping in vehicles in the campground parking lot is prohibited. Campers receive permits to use the campground parking lot during the busy season from spring through fall.
Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire pits (no grills), food storage lockers (bear boxes), bathrooms with electricity and flush toilets, and drinking water spigots. Wood fires are allowed in the fire pits. Campfires are restricted to the hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. from May to September in order to limit smoke in Yosemite Valley.
Pets are not allowed at Camp 4, so dogs need to stay home. (Pets are allowed at other campgrounds in Yosemite National Park.)
The Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops just outside the campground, making it easy to get to restaurant, shops, and other parts of Yosemite Valley. Bikes are a great way to get around Yosemite Valley and Camp 4 has ample bike racks for visitors.
Much of the history of modern climbing passed through Camp 4 (formerly known as Sunnyside Campground). In addition to nearby climbing routes, Yosemite Falls Trail begins beside the campground and Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a short walk away.
To spend more nights in this beautiful valley, check out these other campgrounds in Yosemite National Park or consider the lodging at Housekeeping Camp.
Campground address: Camp 4 Campground, Northside Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Campground coordinates: 37.74215, -119.6020 (37° 44′ 31.7″N 119° 36′ 07.2″W)
Use the map below to view the campground and get directions:
Or view Sierra Nevada trails and campgrounds in a larger map
Yosemite Falls Trail This 3.5 to 7.1-mile hike rises from Yosemite Valley past Columbia Rock to unforgettable views of Upper Yosemite Fall. | |
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail This 1.2-mile hike delivers visitors to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. The experience is not to be missed. | |
Bridalveil Fall Trail This easy paved half-mile trail visits the base of a 620-foot single-drop waterfall on the south side of Yosemite Valley. | |
Mirror Lake This 2 to 2.8-mile hike visits a reflective pool on the east end of Yosemite Valley. | |
Happy Isles This easy 0.75-mile hike explores a pair of islands in the Merced River at the east end of Yosemite Valley. | |
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall This 1.8 to 6.1-mile hike takes an exciting course past two of Yosemite’s prize waterfalls. | |
Half Dome This epic 16-mile hike climbs 4,800 feet and is one of Yosemite’s most popular and most challenging trails. | |
More trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Explore other destinations in Yosemite National Park and the rest of the range. |
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