Camp 4

Star4.27
1.1K reviews
PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Camp 4
$10.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee ranges from $10 per person per night, with discounts available for America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass holders. Peak season rates vary...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
209-372-8502
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 1.1K reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshowers

Some mention

crowded

"Camp 4 is widely regarded as a historic and vibrant campground in Yosemite Valley, with a mix of positive and negative feedback. Visitors appreciate its unbeatable location and access to hiking and climbing areas but often criticize the lack of cleanliness in restrooms and showers, the crowded and noisy atmosphere, and unclear reservation policies."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA

Camp 4

PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA

Driving directionsUpon entering Yosemite Valley, turn left onto Sentinel Drive, then left onto Northside Drive. Camp 4 will be on your right after approximately 1.25 miles.
Camp 4 is accessible year-round via paved roads within Yosemite National Park. Seasonal changes may affect road conditions due to snow or flooding. Call (209) 372-0200 for road and weather updates.
Nearby places
Nearby cities include Yosemite Village (2 miles, 5 minutes drive), El Portal (14 miles, 20 minutes drive), and Mariposa (37 miles, approximately 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village within a 2-mile radius.

Best Time to Camp at Camp 4

From November through May, a hushed blanket of snow transforms Camp 4 into a winter wonderland, while summer brings warm days perfect for scaling nearby cliffs. The campground awakens each spring as the last snows melt between March and May, with October through May bringing refreshing rains that feed the valley's spectacular waterfalls.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm days ideal for climbing and rafting, but peak-season crowds, noise and bathroom issues are common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Cooler hikes, excellent scenery and fewer summer crowds make fall very appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring brings roaring waterfalls, awakening valley and high visitor interest; spectacular scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Snow transforms the site; quieter winter camping but limited services and some closures possible.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with reservations required from April to October. First-come, first-served during winter months.
  • Current Alerts: Peak-hour reservations may be required for park entry during busy holiday weekends.

About Camp 4

Nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley, Camp 4 stands as a legendary walk-in campground where generations of climbers have gathered to share stories beneath towering granite walls. Just moments from the thundering cascade of Yosemite Falls, this historic site offers a unique communal camping experience that has shaped the very soul of American rock climbing culture.
Camp 4 is a walk-in, tent-only campground with shared sites. It is particularly popular among climbers and hikers due to its proximity to Yosemite Falls and other iconic trails.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
08:30 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of seven nights total during peak season (May 1 - September 15).

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Camp 4 is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering proximity to iconic hiking and climbing spots in Yosemite Valley. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The campground is particularly well-known among rock climbers due to its historical significance.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, including the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and other nearby trails such as Mirror Lake. Trails range from easy to challenging, providing options for all skill levels.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is allowed in nearby areas, including the Merced River, but specific details about fish species and quality of fishing are not mentioned.
SwimmingSwimmers can enjoy the Merced River, which flows near the campground. However, water levels may vary seasonally.
BikingBiking is a popular activity, with trails and paths accessible from the campground. Yosemite Valley is equipped with bike rentals for visitors.
BoatingBoating, particularly rafting on the Merced River, is an option during summer months when water levels are adequate.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, steep terrain near cliffs, and variable weather conditions.
Active AlertsPeak-hour reservations may be required for park entry during busy holiday weekends.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are 35"D x 43"W x 28"H, located at each site and are mandatory for securing food and scented items.

Weather at Camp 4

Reviews

4.3
1.1K reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Camp 4 is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Camp 4 is widely regarded as a historic and vibrant campground in Yosemite Valley, with a mix of positive and negative feedback. Visitors appreciate its unbeatable location and access to hiking and climbing areas but often criticize the lack of cleanliness in restrooms and showers, the crowded and noisy atmosphere, and unclear reservation policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 1050 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise Camp 4's proximity to iconic trails, its affordability ($10 per person per night), and its historic significance as a climber's campground. Many also appreciate the addition...
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Based on 1050 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean bathrooms and showers, insufficient privacy due to shared campsites, noise from the nearby road and other campers, and confusing reservation or check-in processes....
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Based on 1050 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs and a sleeping mask due to noise and light from neighboring campsites and nearby roads. Use the provided food storage lockers to prevent wildlife encounters, and consider a cart to...
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Based on 1050 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that Camp 4 is busiest during peak summer months, with complaints about noise, crowding, and bathroom cleanliness more frequent during this time. Winter reviews are generally...
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Based on 1050 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camp 4 is the perfect base camp to explore Yosemite Valley. The views are worth it, but bring earplugs for the noise." - User, 2021. "Bathrooms were dirty, but the location made up for it." - User,...
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Based on 1050 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #19 was noted for being far from parking and facilities, while site #50 was criticized for being near noisy bathroom doors. Visitors suggest requesting sites away from these areas if possible.
Based on 1050 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews from users with disabilities highlight the accessible sites and restrooms but mention that the dirt paths can be challenging to navigate.
Based on 1050 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Camp 4 does not allow pets, which some users found limiting. Service animals are an exception, as per National Park Service policies.
Based on 1050 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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