Dome Camping
Parking at the base camp of half dome?
A friend and I are planning to hike half dome soon. Since it is too late to obtain permits to camp, it is feasible to drive half Dome in a van, a park at the base camp, sleep in the car, then keep the car in the field base while spending the day hiking? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
You can find this unfortunate statement on the official website Yosemite in http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/where.htm: "Please note that sleeping in your car or recreational vehicle is not permitted in Yosemite except for individual campsites. "That does not mean that you absolutely could not get away with it, but it's a risk. I guess you've checked the reservation system and found that everything is complete? If not, call 1-800-436-PARK and give it a try, you never know when it might be a cancellation. Not all campgrounds in Yosemite are reservation-only. Among the camps in Yosemite Valley, Camp 4, near Yosemite Lodge, is the first-come, first serve, the official website says that generally is filled with 9 am, however, could be a problem for you. The camping Bridalveil Creek along Glacier Point Road is also a first-come, first serve (would have on a drive 30 miles to half dome trail the next morning). There are a handful more along Tioga Road, you can see http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/trip/nrcamping.htm a list. Plan on about an hour drive to go camping Tioga Road to the Half Dome trailhead. Also might consider camping outside the park. A list of campgrounds in http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/campgrounds.asp. It is highly unlikely that these will be filled. Summerdale near Fish Camp, is just outside the southern entrance of Yosemite, and is probably closer to your choice, it is also a drive of 30 miles to Yosemite Valley. It is popular, but this time of year you can find a place there. Bass Lake camp is probably the closest bet, but are about 15 miles above Fish Camp. And also could try to get a motel outside the park. The Gateway is just 15 miles from the valley Yosemite. When I climbed Half Dome a few weeks ago, some of our group stayed in Oakhurst and led until the morning of the walk. They say it took about an hour and a half (Turns out there is not much traffic at 4:30 am). I guess this very soon climbing Half Dome? The Park Service often has the wires down in early October. More information about climbing Half Dome: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-valley/half-dome/half-dome.htm Good luck! Russ
Dome Camping
Dome Camping
