Little Yosemite Valley Camping

Yosemite National Park

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

Little Yosemite Valley Camping

Yosemite National Park


Camping and Exploring in Little Yosemite Valley

Backpackers stay at Little Yosemite Valley Campground, a designated area near the Merced River, unless they continue at least another 2 miles up the trail. Hikers with a wilderness permit for Little Yosemite Valley must use the designated campground. You can set up your camp anywhere you choose within the defined, forested area east of the outhouse. Although there are no defined individual camping spaces within the campground, a multitude of large logs provide natural demarcations between many sites.

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Little Yosemite Valley Campground, Yosemite National park, California

Little Yosemite Valley Campground

Shared bear boxes are provided, and two communal campfire circles are located nearby. No other campfires are permitted. Water is available in the Merced River about ¼-mile away. A modern composting toilet is available near the campground.


Little Yosemite Valley Campground restroom, Yosemite National park, California

Little Yosemite Valley Campground Restroom

Although it may seem crowded compared to most wilderness sites, campers are friendly and practice good campground etiquette. A resident ranger will eventually pass through the campground checking permits and answering questions. Most campers are headed up the trail early in the morning and retire to their tents by about 9:00 PM.

Fishing

Fishing is good in the slow-moving waters of the Merced River along Little Yosemite Valley. Most catches are medium size browns along with a few rainbows.

Half Dome, Yosemite National park, California

Half Dome - Cable Railings are Visible Going up the Side



Climbing Half Dome


A permit added to your wilderness permit is required to make the 2-mile side-trip to the summit of Half Dome. Apply for the permit as part of your wilderness permit, not as a separate stand-alone permit.


Obtaining a Half Dome Permit

Obtain your Half Dome permit as part of your wilderness permit. Do not apply for a separate day hikers' permit.

Yosemite website: "Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up, even for backpackers with wilderness permits. The quota for Half Dome permits for backpackers is now 75 permits per day (50 available by reservation and 25 available one day in advance on a first-come, first-served basis at wilderness centers)."   Cables are usually up from the Friday before Memorial Day through the day after Columbus Day.


Explore the Merced River

The Merced River flows past the Little Yosemite Valley Campground. A trail leads from the campground to the river where a wide, sandy beach makes a good place to settle and enjoy the water. When water levels are safe, the river by the beach is a popular swimming spot. Keep an eye on your food, since stealthy coyotes may try to snag your unattended lunch.

Hike Upstream

The trail to Merced Lake continues up the valley, passing through a burned-out area, the result of a wildfire several years ago. A little more than 2 miles upstream at the head of the valley is a scenic fall, cascading down the glaciated granite to a pool at the bottom. It makes a good picnic and fishing spot. A mile farther upstream is Bunnell Cascade, a similar spot with more picnicking and fishing opportunities.