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yosemitefreak
Thank you for all the info. I'm new to this process. So do you just wait around asking people if they are about to leave and then grab their spot? Do you have to formally reserve a spot by registering at a main office?
To answer your question bill-e-g, I might have to change my game plan if I don't get a spot at the fc/fs campgrounds. And I assume the TH you are speaking of is for a backpackers camp near Bridalveil? Is it also true to assume that there is parking at all THs? Do you have any other suggestions for backpacker camps nearby? Maps showing locations of these camps? Sorry for asking so many questions, but I feel like I'm headed into the dark right now trying to plan logistics. =T
Again - the backpackers campgrounds have limited uses. Their primary purpose is for those with wilderness permits for the night before and the night after a wilderness trip. It's not well-publicized (it's in the superintendent's compendium of rules), but they are also deemed acceptable for use by those arriving by bicycle, bus, or foot. Someone arriving by car is not supposed to be using them without a wilderness permit. There are some rumors that it can be used for Camp 4 overflow, but I don't believe that's the case. The charge is $5 per **person** per night and if crowded campers are expected to share campsites. At the Valley backpackers campground there is a drop off parking area (15 minute max) where someone can drop off equipment. This area is in one of loops of North Pines Camground. The usual parking area would be the Happy Isles Trailhead parking lot, which is maybe a half mile walk.
Camp 4 is different. It also has the $5/person charge. However - it is located next to its own parking lot and it's a fairly short walk. It's very crowded. You wait in line and will be assigned a campsite. You don't get your own campsite as they may assign up to 4 people per site. I believe each site has 4 bear boxes.
The other ones you would more or less wait around and see who's leaving. Mark your spot with something like a tablecloth and then go pick up a form, fill it out, and deposit the camping fee. Except for Camp 4, none of the FCFS campgrounds are in the Valley.
