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Easy to find using Google Maps. Plop your tent down anywhere there’s room and only use half of the bear lockers (please!) as there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing it with another party! Used it the first night before heading up Snow Creek to Yosemite Falls, left the car in the Curry Village parking lot without any issues. Quiet by 10 and everyone is up by 7 ready to hit the trails! Never had anyone verify our payment or permit but we did on the way out at Tuolumne Meadows.
I’ve been able to stay here twice in this place is rad. Just remember you have to have a wilderness permit to stay here you can’t just cruise into Yosemite and stay here. And it’s also not like you get your own campsite. This is a Backpackers Campgrounds. You get a little piece of dirt to sleep on and you get a sit at a table and grab a meal. You also have a restroom there. The closest water is across the bridge at North Pines. Is a great little spot to come if you have a wilderness permit.
Camping here was much more of a hastle than I was expecting. I'd recommend booking a site at Campsite 4 instead (requires lottery entry 2 weeks in advance). In June the trail from North Pines to the Backpacker's campground was flooded out in multiple spots above ankle depth. Starting out my trip with wet boots wasn't ideal. While you can park within a 5 minute hike to pack in, you have to park for the night at the trail head parking lot about a 20 minute walk away. There is a dry long way around to reach Curry Village but it was a 30+ minute hike. I had planned to stay here after my hike but already wet and tired from 2 nights in the wilderness I didn't have it in me to deal with the flooding and walk to and from the car. I got lucky and snagged a campsite 4 spot that became available around 8 pm, which was far more convenient and comfortable. If you're ok putting up with the cost of entry, the campsite was quiet and beautiful along a river and with incredible views of rockface all around.
Such a lovely camp… I have really nice memories from my trips to Yosemite and this place. Met interesting people every time I stayed here and this is camp is definitely an essential part of Yosemite experience while either starting or ending your hike. You are surrounded with giant trees and even more gigantic rocks and all you hear is a nice sound of the river that is really close to the camp and makes it hidden from campers staying at other camps.
If you arrive late afternoon to the valley definitely consider staying here rather than rushing for the wilderness area. Enjoy the nature, enjoy the stars, talk to some people and prepare for an amazing time you will have in Yosemite National Park. You will remember this forever, and carry these memories everywhere you go.
Great way to spend some time in the valley before or after a backcountry trip. Convenient. Only had to walk in 300 yds. Pit toilet. Right under half dome.
