Camp 4/backpackers campground fees are per person?

I was going through the 2007 Superintendent's Compendium for Yosemite to figure out what certain rules were. I had never paid attention, but apparently the $5 daily fee for all walk-in campgrounds like Camp 4 and the backpackers' campgrounds are per person, and each user must register individually. So if I stay with my wife (in the same tent) at Camp 4 or a backpackers' campground, I guess we need to register individually and pay $5 per person. I saw some large groups staying at Camp 4 in Feb 2007, and I'm thinking they might have been better off at Upper Pines, where they could park their cars next to the site, unless they just paid $5 per tent. I'm sure Upper Pines wasn't full.

Last Summer, I guess it made sense to use the Valley backpackers' campground, since I was going solo. I was under the impression that I would be saving money by staying in a backpackers' campground with two people. However - it looks as if the $10 cost would be the same for a single site at maybe Yosemite Creek. Still the backpackers' campgrounds would seem to have the advantage of running water and real toilets.

I saw large groups (splitting into multiple sites) staying at the backpackers' campground. I'm wondering if they actually paid a per person fee. Or perhaps it was the best option without a regular campsite reservation or the time to get in early for a non-reservable campsite.

Also - I came across this:

Quote

Backpacker camps are intended for use by visitors in possession of an overnight Wilderness Permit or for visitors arriving in the park by foot, bicycle, or bus.

I remember I said something about being referred to a backpackers' campground if Camp 4 is full, but I guess this really is the rule, provided someone arrives without their own car.



Post Edited (03-13-08 17:53)