Map showing campground location near North Fork, California

Camper submitted image from Little Yosemite Valley Campground

Little Yosemite Valley Campground

Within Yosemite National Park, Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a National Park Service backcountry site accessible only by hiking. The campground sits along the Merced River after an arduous climb via the Mist Trail, positioning campers among pine and fir trees with granite formations surrounding the area.

Most visitors use this site as a launching point for Half Dome summit attempts, staying one night before the final ascent. The campground features four pit toilets that receive regular cleaning, and campfires are permitted in designated areas. Water access comes from the nearby Merced River, though campers need filtration systems and should collect upstream from the camping area.

Bears frequent this location, making proper food storage essential. Nyssa L. noted the site "invites you in like a warm cup of coffee" after the demanding hike, with the river providing a soundtrack for rest. The limited number of permitted campers keeps crowds manageable compared to valley floor locations.

Reservations are required for this backcountry site, and securing permits requires advance planning. The campground works well for experienced backpackers prepared for the multi-mile hike in and comfortable with wilderness camping protocols in bear country.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Little Yosemite Valley Campground is located in California

Coordinates

37.2090027782128 N
119.6035981119178 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

33 min from Fresno, CA
1 hr 4 min from Merced, CA
1 hr 10 min from Visalia, CA
1 hr 12 min from Hanford, CA

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned pristine sites among pine trees with clean facilities and river access for Half Dome hikers. Permits are challenging to secure but multiple campers emphasized the exceptional backcountry experience and bear activity requires proper precautions.

Esther Y.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Gateway to backcountry

Great, clean campsite to use as your launching point to the Yosemite backcountry. Most campers are there for 1 night as they summit Half Dome. Ideal place to camp and even just rest and enjoy the Merced river after an arduous climb out of the valley via the Mist Trail. Camp vibe is great. Also nice to have regularly cleaned pit toilets (4 stalls). Watch for bears ... they are common here. Otherwise, hang up your hammock and relax!

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Kate W.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Essential to a memorable Half Dome trip

If you are attempting Half Dome you could exhaust yourself and hike up from base, or you could extend the trip and hike here first, stay a night, wake up early, and be the first on the Dome to watch the sunrise - that's what we did!

Great backcountry camping with nice, clean spots to setting in among the trees and a group spot for a firepit. There's a river nearby so bring a filter and go upstream. It's not easy to organize the proper permits, but it's worth it!

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

Nyssa L.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Great Backcountry Campground!

We loved every aspect of this camp area. Yosemite only allows a certain number of people to camp at the backcountry sites and it shows. This was a pine tree lovers paradise! We hiked the waterfall trail, which is breathtaking, but full of a lot of people! Once you get passed the 2nd huge waterfall, the crowds start to die down and its just you and the mountains. When you finally get to Little Yose Valley, you're probably super tired (we were!), and the campground invites you in like a warm cup of coffee. We passed out immediately in our hammock to the sound of the river next to the site, then woke up and set up camp. Hiked the rest of half dome the next day. My favorite camp site I've stayed in so far.

Month of VisitJune

Wutang P.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 9, 2018

Backpacking to half dome

One of the nicest backpacking campgrounds. Nice bathrooms and right next to a clean blue river perfect for swimming in! Surrounded by granite rocks in one of the most wonderful place Yosemite

Gamaliel A.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2018

Absolutely Must Do

Like the title says, its got to be on your to-do list of places to visit. And because the place is so spectacular, you are going to want to stay. But! getting in is tough. Just keep trying and trying until you finally land a campsite. Totally worth. TONS! to do and see around. Bears are prevelant so take care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Little Yosemite Valley Campground compare to other Yosemite Valley campgrounds?

Unlike the main Yosemite Valley campgrounds, Little Yosemite Valley is a backcountry site that requires hiking to access, offering a more remote and less crowded experience. The park limits the number of campers allowed, resulting in a peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier valley floor campgrounds. It's primarily used by backpackers tackling Half Dome or exploring the backcountry, rather than car campers. Little Yosemite Valley offers proper bathrooms and access to the Merced River, but fewer amenities than frontcountry sites. The camping experience is more immersive in nature with prevalent wildlife, including bears.

Are there photos of Little Yosemite Valley Campground to help plan my trip?

Photos of Little Yosemite Valley Campground showcase a spectacular backcountry setting surrounded by granite rocks and pine trees. The campground sits near the clear blue Merced River, which is perfect for swimming after a day of hiking. Images typically highlight the natural beauty of the area, including the forested camping areas and the nearby hiking trails. For the most current and official photos, check the Yosemite National Park website or wilderness center when planning your trip.

What do Little Yosemite Valley Campground reviews say about the camping experience?

Campers consistently praise Little Yosemite Valley Campground as one of the nicest backcountry camping experiences in Yosemite. The camp features clean spots to settle in, proper bathrooms, and a refreshing blue Merced River perfect for swimming. Many use it as a strategic base for Half Dome sunrise ascents, allowing hikers to be the first on the dome in the morning. The camping vibe is described as excellent, with well-maintained facilities despite the remote location. The site's limited capacity creates a more peaceful atmosphere than the valley floor. Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are common, so proper food storage is essential. The surrounding pine forest and granite landscape create a spectacular natural setting.

Where is Little Yosemite Valley Campground located and what is the elevation?

Little Yosemite Valley Campground is located in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park, positioned beyond Nevada and Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail. It sits above the main Yosemite Valley floor but below Half Dome, making it an ideal basecamp for Half Dome summit attempts. The campground is nestled alongside the Merced River in a pine forest setting. To reach it, hikers must ascend from the valley via the popular waterfall trail. The location offers strategic access to both Half Dome and deeper backcountry areas of Yosemite.

Keep Exploring