Camp 4
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Camp 4 is a walk-in campground in Yosemite's Valley corridor at 4049 feet, nestled below granite walls and favored by climbers. Sheltered from afternoon winds that rake the open meadow, it sits calmer than exposed sites to the east.
Wind averages 7 mph but gusts to 17 mph, typically rising after noon as thermals develop off the Valley floor. Morning hours are still; afternoon brings sustained flow. Temperatures swing from freezing at dawn to mild midday, requiring layered clothing.
Over the last 30 days, Camp 4 averaged a NoGo Score of 16.0 with temperatures around 41 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 7 mph. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility: watch for afternoon wind spikes and lingering chill at sunrise. Crowding peaks on weekends as soon as access roads clear.
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About Camp 4
Camp 4 sits in Yosemite Valley at 4049 feet, directly below El Capitan's east face and west of Yosemite Falls. The campground is accessed via California Highway 41 from the south or Highway 120 from the east; both routes meet at Yosemite's west entrance. The Valley floor narrows here, funneling cooler air down from higher elevations. Walk-in tent sites are unshaded and tightly spaced, popular with rock climbers targeting nearby walls. Parking fills by mid-morning on weekends; arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a spot.
Spring and early summer bring the most crowding; winter closure of Highway 120 limits access from the Tioga Pass corridor. Temperatures range from 7 degrees Fahrenheit in deep winter to 62 degrees at peak summer, while the 30-day average sits at 41 degrees. Wind averages 7 mph but peaks to 17 mph, typically in late afternoon when thermal circulation strengthens. Snowmelt in April and May raises creek flow and muddy ground; by July, dust dominates. Fall offers the lowest crowds and most stable conditions after Highway 120 reopens in late September.
Camp 4 suits climbers and hikers who plan to move quickly between sites and access walls or trails immediately. The walk-in layout keeps RVs and large groups away, preserving a focused user base. Experienced visitors arrive Tuesday through Thursday mornings to dodge weekend throngs. Wind spikes predictably after 2 p.m., so morning climbs or hikes are standard practice. Smoke from Sierra fires drifts into the Valley unpredictably in late summer and fall; check air quality before committing.
Nearby alternatives include Camp 7 and Camp 8 higher in the Valley, which are marginally less crowded but offer no shade advantage. Yosemite Valley Lodge and Half Dome Village offer lodging without the walk-in constraint. North of Camp 4, Cathedral Beach and Swallow Cliffs provide day-use parking for hikers avoiding the campground entirely. The Yosemite Valley corridor's narrow geography means wind and temperature patterns are similar across all campsites; the main differentiator is crowding density and shade.