How much does camping cost at Camp 4?

Camping fees at Camp 4 are $10 - $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Camp 4 first-come first-served or reservation?

Camp 4 accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Camp 4 before I book?

Yes! Camp 4 has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Camp 4?

Camp 4 is open January 01 to November 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Camp 4?

Yes, Camp 4 has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Camp 4?

Cell phone service at Camp 4 is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Camp 4 have?

Camp 4 has 61 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Camp 4?

Pets are not allowed at Camp 4. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Camp 4?

Camp 4 offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Camp 4

Q: Can I have a campfire at Camp 4?

Fire policies at Camp 4: Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.27

1.1K reviews

PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA

Top 10% in CASpring

C-Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Yosemite Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Camp 4 will return t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Camp 4 will return t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Camp 4

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Scan & Pay 2 people: $20.00; Scan & Pay 3 people: $30.00; Scan & Pay 4 people: $40.00; Scan & Pay 5 people: $50.00; Scan & Pay 6 people: $60.00; Scan...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-372-8502

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA

Camp 4

PO BOX 577, YOSEMITE, CA, 95389, USA

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).

Weather at Camp 4

Current alerts(10)

Camp 4 is a walk-in campground; vehicles are never permitted inside. You may not sleep in your vehicle in the Camp 4 parking lot; this includes vans.
Carpool if possible; parking is limited!
DO NOT bring more people than you initially stated when you made the reservation. Every person older than two must have a reservation. Any extra people not on your reservation will have to leave.
Help Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park ! Leave excess packaging at home. Bring reusable containers and propane bottles. Recycle!

Best Time to Camp at Camp 4

Best season: spring. Spring offers the signature Yosemite experience: towering, full-volume waterfalls, fresh wildflowers in the valley, and comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 45–70°F, with chilly mornings near freezing higher-snowmelt weeks). This is prime climbing and hiking season—waterfall viewpoints, Mist Trail, and valley circuits are at their most spectacular—though popular weekends can be busy. Expect variable conditions as snow melts (muddy trails, icy patches early), so bring layers and traction,; Peak months: May, April, June, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as best season: full waterfalls, wildflowers and comfortable temperatures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camp 4 will return to reservations on Wednesday, April 15. Do not self-register beyond the night of Tuesday, April 14. Availability for arriving April 15 will release on Wednesday, April 8 at 7AM Pacific time.

About Camp 4

Camp 4 sits in Yosemite Valley at mid-elevation, operated by the National Park Service as a walk-in tent campground with legendary status among climbers. The shared-site format and valley-floor location put you within walking distance of iconic trails like the Mist Trail and major climbing routes. Showers, flush toilets, and potable water serve a busy, social atmosphere where tents cluster close and noise carries easily.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the signature Yosemite experience: towering, full-volume waterfalls, fresh wildflowers in the valley, and comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 45–70°F, with chilly mornings near freezing higher-snowmelt weeks). This is prime climbing and hiking season—waterfall viewpoints, Mist Trail, and valley circuits are at their most spectacular—though popular weekends can be busy. Expect variable conditions as snow melts (muddy trails, icy patches early), so bring layers and traction,; Peak months: May, April, June, October

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests beneath California black oaks and ponderosa pines, with granite walls rising on all sides. Yosemite Falls is close enough to hear, and the Merced River runs nearby. Morning light hits the valley's cliffs directly. The setting is classic Yosemite Valley: dramatic, enclosed, and heavily forested at the base.

Programs & ActivitiesYosemite Valley offers guided tours, museums, ranger-led programs, and art workshops. However, specific events at Camp 4 are not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of seven nights total during peak season (May 1 - September 15).

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people allowed per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityCamp 4 includes two wheelchair-accessible sites with nearby accessible parking and paths leading to the campsites. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible, but the rest of the campground has rough dirt paths.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites suitable for multiple tents.

PrivacyCampsites are shared and closely spaced, lacking privacy. Visitors frequently comment on close proximity to neighbors with minimal separation.

Total Campsites61 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites away from the road to minimize noise. Sites near restrooms may experience brighter lighting and traffic.

Best CampsitesSites near the Yosemite Falls trailhead get mentioned for convenience and views, but expect the same crowded conditions and shared setup throughout the campground.

Need help booking Camp 4?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground has a total of 61 sites (only 25 open in winter) which accommodate tents only . Since Camp 4 is a walk-in campground, no vehicles are allowed to enter the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Things to do at Camp 4

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.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in California

Immediate access to Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake; abundant trails from camp.

Climbing5.0/5Top 1% in California

Legendary climbers' campground with immediate access to major granite routes and walls.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Popular for biking with valley paths and easy rides to falls, meadows and trailheads.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Valley campground is quieter in winter but offers limited winter-sports opportunities.

Water Sports2.0/5

No lake kayaking focus; river boating/rafting possible but not prime kayaking terrain.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Proximity to Yosemite Falls, granite walls and Mirror Lake makes it outstanding for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling stations are available, with bear-proof dumpsters provided to help prevent wildlife interactions, particularly with bears.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally available year-round, with some users reporting adequate signal for streaming with Verizon and AT&T. However, service may vary depending on the specific location within the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Camp 4

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From Booking Sources

4.3

1.1K reviews

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...

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....

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

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...

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...

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,...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Camp 4

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Scan & Pay 2 people: $20.00; Scan & Pay 3 people: $30.00; Scan & Pay 4 people: $40.00; Scan & Pay 5 people: $50.00; Scan & Pay 6 people: $60.00; Scan...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-372-8502

Go if

you're here to climb or hike, don't mind shared walk-in sites, and can handle grimy communal bathrooms for the sake of being in the heart of the Valley.

Skip if

you want a quiet night's sleep, clean facilities, or a predictable reservation process, or if you'd land near site #19's long walk or site #50's noisy bathroom doors.

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Campgrounds

Yosemite National Park

Camp 4

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 13% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 823 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Getting there
Grade A-.Booking
Grade B+.Safety

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade D.Crowds & noise
Grade C-.Cleanliness

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

About Yosemite National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Camp 4, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Directions

You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.

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Camp 4

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Camp 4

Campground Map

Weather at Camp 4

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Camp 4

Planning Tips

About Camp 4

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Camp 4?

Amenities available

Things to do at Camp 4

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Lower Pines Campground

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Tamarack Flat Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Camp 4

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Camp 4

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Camp 4?

Amenities available

Things to do at Camp 4

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Lower Pines Campground

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Tamarack Flat Campground