Hey you varmints:

I am a little worried about getting a last-minute campsite in Yosemite. I don't want to deal with trying to get a reservation because I already called the place and they're booked solid. So I would like to do some camping but in remote areas, or even back-country areas.

Anybody have any experience with this?

Daniel

PS I'll be arriving in Yosemite around June 1st, right after Memorial Day weekend, by car.

If you pick up trash for an hour the rangers will grant you a nice walk-in campsite somewhere. My daughter's girl scout troup did this and you should have seen the campground envy at the site the rangers picked out for us! You have to arrange it in advance, though. Another idea is to try Toulmne Meadows--the high country is less crowded. Or how about doing a "day trip" and coming out at dark and staying in Fresno or Merced? They're nice towns.

hey not-a-varmit:

thanks for the advice. i've never heard of cleaning for a campsite. should i just call the ranger?

also, i DID manage to get a campsite reserved in lower pines. is this within walking distance to hiking up to half dome?

dan

Just to add some more thoughts, even though you found the site you're looking for. If you're willing to camp just outside the Park and with VERY few amenities, check out the National Forest camp sites. We found a half-empty camp ground a few kilometers from the entrance when we arrived at dusk in August. Try that in the Park itself! Also, it helps to arrive mid-week.

Dan, Someone suggested Toulomne (bad spelling!!!) Meadows. I camped there when I stayed in Yosemite about 10 years ago (geez, I can't believe it was that long ago). I think I actually liked it better than if I had stayed down in the valley! It was high up, cold at night (40's, I think, at beginning of July), but definately not as crowded! It was close to the place where you can go on trail rides too. I really enjoyed it! Just FYI!
Enjoy!

Hey Dan,
Congratulations on getting a site in the valley.
According to the Official Map & Guide, Lower pines is about 1/2 mile from the beginning of the entrance to the Mist Trail which starts you off to where you are heading (Half Dome).
I left you some information in your last thread about the east side. There are also some Natl. Forest campgrounds just as you leave the Park entry at Tioga Pass, on the east side.

Hey Dan(also my son's name)-Great! The Mist Trail is fantastic! Hold on to your hat if there is lots of water in the falls this year! My (then) 8 year old daughter climbed the Mist Trail with her dad (Dan & I chickened-out half-way up) and came back grinning! It's aptly named. Remember to pack a hooded poncho as you will be drenched! I even saw some Japanese tourists haul camera equip (fully-extended tripod) up that trail! There's a wall of humanity going up and coming down & there's not always railing -so be careful! Tell us about it when you get back! While camping in Yosemite, be extremely careful of the bears. We stayed most recently in Curry Village and the bears get into trucks, etc by smashing the windows if there's any food present. The Forestry Service is (rightly so) very strict about this and you can be fined for negligence (and the bears get hurt). Know ahead of time how to store your food items. (there aren't many places to eat out in Y., food purchases are pretty much limited to Curry Village, the store up in Tol.Mdws., and one or two other places, so you pretty much need to pack and store properly for your day hikes.)You can always celebrate by cleaning up and having a bite or a beer at the Awahnee!

Daniel Lee, I have to say I've enjoyed reading all the questions you've posted and the many, many replies. Your trip will be incredible, I'm sure. I just hope that after you return you will post a synopsis of your adventures.

I will be going to Yosemite in July, but for one day only. I'm not a hiker, per say, but do enjoy taking some trails. When you return, I would appreciate your comments about what you would not have missed if you only were there for one day.

Have an Excellent Adventure!!!

wow you guys,

thanks for the proliferation of responses! i enjoy reading every single one of them. it makes me happy knowing that so many people enjoy travel and hiking and such.

i wanna know more about the half dome hike. should i bother buying some gloves, or is there always a pile at the bottom? also, what else should i prepare for besides being chilly and thirsty? i assume the return trek occurs in the evening?

also, tell me more about the backcountry. i wanna explore the hell out of this place. anybody do a lot of this?

daniel

Dan: Curry Village has a store devoted to hiking and rock climbing(they have a school). Check with the folks there. There's also a general store to pick up water bottles, clothing, gloves, food, etc. There's a hamburger/pizza place, a post office, the Ansel Adams Gallery, and afterthe hike, its a great place to hang out with others. When you drive into Y., the rangers give you a general map as well as a mini newspaper of whats doing in Y. I wish they still had the Firefall! Have a great time!

MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

daniel

Daniel, there is a walk in camp site in Toloumne Meadows at Lake Tenaya. It does involve walking across a wide stream that may be not so shallow at that time of year. This campground is on the way to a hike that I would recommend -- Cloud's Rest. It's a long day hike at high altitude. You end up at 11,000 ft and look DOWN on Half Dome. It's awesome, but ask the rangers for snow conditions at that altitude. I know we'll still be skiing at Mammoth Mountain on the other side of the Sierras and the top of MM is just over 10,000. Also, if you are backpacking, you will need a permit and need to know how to hang your food. You will need to take a 50' lightweight rope capable of holding your supplies. As above, the Mist Trail is great, but crowded. Just be careful.

Yo!dude! One of my employees just showed me pictures of Arches National Park...looks most outstanding. You might like to add it to your agenda! Going through Utah?