AboutSteve Springer Expertise I can answer questions about campsites, reservations, things to do and places to go in Yosemite National Park. I can also answer questions about the same for the California State Beaches in Southern and Central California. My nickname is "Kamping Kahuna". No relocation/moving questions, please.
Expert: Steve Springer Date: 2/17/2008 Subject: tent camping
Question My family is interested in tent camping for 3 nights in Yosemite. We would prefer a quieter, tent only setting but one with showers. Do you have any ideas?
We will then head south to Sierra National Forest for a few days before we visit Kings Canyon/Sequoia area. Can you suggest a tent only camp site south of Yosemite?
Thanks!
Answer Hi Becky,
The campgrounds in Yosemite Valley tend to be rather crowded. However, I have a favorite section which is very quiet, even though the campground may be full. The back row of Upper Pines is VERY quiet. You can hear people yelling "ELMER" from all over the valley at night (if the waterfalls aren't full, that is). The best part is that nobody is behind you, and you can hear the Merced River and the wind in the trees. However, as with all valley campsites, there is a mix of RV and tent camping. Some campsites are considered RV only, due to a lack of suitable space for tents. I've done both tent camping and RV'ing in the valley, and found that it's not really an issue. Most tent campers are worried that they will be sandwiched between a couple of 40-footers, with generators blazing all night. The rules at Yosemite are quite strict about generators, and I had a ranger knocking on my door one time when I let it run about 5 minutes past time (Batteries were dead). There aren't many sites even for my 30-footer, so you aren't going to see any of the "big boys" up in that neck of the woods.
Here's the deal with Yosemite showers: There aren't any in the campgrounds, only in Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, and Yosemite Village. So we just take the shuttle into the Curry Village and head for the shower house. There are two shower houses in Curry: The BETTER one is behind the ampitheater (not the one at the pool).
In Sierra National Forest, just about any campground at Huntington Lake is wonderful. At 7000 feet, you're out of the heat of the valley. I've always liked College Campground, which is right on the lake. However, it seems to be only the state campgrounds that have showers in the campground itself. The nearest place to get a shower is back at Sierra Summit Lodge, a couple miles away.
In Sequoia, the only campground there is Lodgepole.
