I think the public in general thinks "hotel" when they think of staying in Yosemite, and doesn't necessarily even consider camping there. If you mention "camping" they'd be asking about where to get an RV.
A tent is my first choice for staying in the valley, even in the off season. It puts you in tune with your surroundings, the climate, the sounds, the smells; usually a raven gets you up early to enjoy the early morning crispness and quiet. The folks in the hotels don't hear the coyotes at night, the ravens, a rockslide, raindrops on the tent, which I enjoy. I also enjoy staying at the lodge, but it's no substitute. Of course campground partiers can spoil everything, but fortunately they haven't been a consistent problem, just occasional for me.
I'm a low-maintenance camper though...I go there to enjoy the valley, not to cook, do dishes, chores, etc. The lodge's food court sees me most every evening, and usually for a breakfast or two during my stay. So the stereotype in the article may not always apply.
I'd like to see them establish the motorhome camping somewhere before entering the valley proper, and maybe having the shuttle go there (after all, it goes way out of its loop just for the Ahwahnee...and many motorhomes have bikes or tow vehicles anyway). With no motorhomes in the campground, there would be more campsites available for campers, and motorhomes could enjoy having power and be around folks who like to bring a bit more "stuff" with them. Seems like that would be a win-win situation. It would also cut down some on big vehicles in the valley. And they could move that infernal dump station from Upper Pines 8^).
Gary
Yosemite Photo Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/roberthouse/yo
