campgrounds california | Top Rope Media

Camping in Yosemite National Park: Best Campgrounds, Hiking and Rock Climbing

Meredith — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 03:41:03 +0000

CAMPING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

With beautiful lush green valleys, wild rivers, and towering granite peaks, camping in Yosemite National Park offers so many places to explore! If you’re wondering what the current rules are for visiting the park, if you need a day pass, and how to find a campsite, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Highlights of Yosemite
The Park’s History and Sacred Origins
Getting to Yosemite National Park
Reservations and Day Passes
Where to Stay- Hotels, Lodging, Camping in Yosemite National Park
Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park
Other Activities in Yosemite National Park
Spotting Bears and Other Wildlife

When you’re camping in Yosemite National Park, or even staying at one of the many park lodges, you’ll get the opportunity to see the park during quieter hours. This means more trails, wildlife, waterfalls, and spectacular views all to yourself!

In addition, Yosemite is the premier destination for rock climbers. So if you want early access to climbs on El Capitan, the Sentinel, or Half Dome, or just want to sit back and watch the magic happen, camping in Yosemite is the way to go.

Let’s dive into Yosemite National Park, and why it remains one of our favorite places on the planet!

1. Highlights of Yosemite

In addition to rock climbing and camping in Yosemite National Park, there are so many activities to enjoy. Here are just a few of the highlights that make this park so special:

The iconic view from ‘Tunnel View’
Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls
The park’s history and its first inhabitants
Wildlife viewing in the meadows
Skiing and snowboarding (yes, there’s a ski resort in Yosemite!)
Swimming and kayaking in Tenaya Lake

You’ll need a car to get here, but once you arrive you can take the shuttle system or hike to almost all places we’ve included below. First, if you haven’t packed for a road trip lately, bookmark our road trip checklist to view later to ensure you’ve got everything!

ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST

2. The Park’s History and Sacred Origins

Yosemite National Park’s breathtaking landscapes have drawn visitors for centuries, but its origins stretch far beyond its designation as a national park in 1890. Long before the U.S. government claimed stewardship, the Ahwahneechee people, a branch of the Southern Sierra Miwok, thrived in the Yosemite Valley for thousands of years, living in harmony with the land.

Other tribes, including the Mono and Paiute, also had deep connections to the region, shaping its trails, meadows, and cultural history. Therefore, the park was not “founded” by settlers but taken through violent conflicts during which Indigenous people were forced from their homeland.

There are several places in the park where you can learn more about the indigenous history of Yosemite:

The Yosemite Museum
The Indian Village of the Ahwahnee
Mariposa Museum and History Center

Today, the descendants of these tribes continue to fight for recognition and the right to protect their ancestral lands, reminding us that Yosemite’s true history is one of resilience, not discovery.

3. Getting to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite via the eastern Sierras, Route 395, and Tioga Pass

To reach Yosemite National Park from the Eastern Sierras, head north on 395 from June Lake, Mammoth, or Bishop. Or head south on 395 from Reno or Lake Tahoe. If you haven’t read our Eastern Sierras Road Trip blog, take a peek at that first!

You’ll summit Tioga Pass, at almost 10,000ft, and enter the park through the Tioga Entrance. Keep in mind, Tioga Pass and Tioga Road both close by late October and do not open up until June or later when the snow has been cleared.

In addition, both the Tioga Entrance and Tioga Road, in general, are much quieter compared to Yosemite Valley, and you can easily reach the following spots:

Tuolumne Meadows
Tenaya Lake
Olmsted Point
Clouds Rest

Yosemite via the south entrance, Big Oak Flat, or Arch Rock entrances

Planning to visit Yosemite Valley where you’ll find Half Dome and El Capitan? Well, then your best bet is to enter at the South Entrance or on the west side of the park at either Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock entrances.

The west side of Yosemite and its entrances are open year-round, with road closures only when there’s snow. On this side of the park, you’ll enjoy El Capitan and Half Dome, plus:

Yosemite Falls
Glacier Point
Tunnel View
Mariposa Grove- home to Giant Sequoias!

Camping in Yosemite in a tent is more fun if you’re off the ground!

4. Yosemite National Park reservations and day passes

To visit Yosemite National Park, reservations are still needed during the summer, busy holiday weeks, and weekends between May through October. Do keep in mind that there are often long waits to drive in. If you are camping in Yosemite National Park and already have a reservation, or if you’ve booked a room at one of the lodges, you do not need a day pass to enter.

It’s best to check the Yosemite National Park main website a few weeks before your plan to arrive to see if you need to make a reservation or apply for a day pass.

5. where to stay: Hotels, Lodging and Camping in Yosemite National park

There are 12 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park, and all can be booked through Recreation.gov. The most popular ones are located in Yosemite Valley, including the infamous Camp 4.

Keep in mind, it is illegal to camp overnight in a pullout or day-use area within Yosemite National Park. Therefore if you don’t find a campsite, we’ve also included a few Yosemite lodging options below. In addition, there are also towns nearby including El Portal, Fish Camp, Bass Lake, and Oakhurst, the latter being the largest, with plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants. However, driving to and from the park everyday can take hours. Especially if you want to hit all the highlights- Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point.

Get familiar with the shuttle system, and the distances/travel time between each part of the part you plan to visit. This can save you hours on trying to find parking, especially during the summer or over holiday weekends.

Campgrounds in Yosemite National Park

Wawona Campground– near South Entrance, 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Creek Campground– near Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove, and Badger Pass Ski Area
Upper & Lower Pines Campgrounds– in Yosemite Valley near market, wifi, and lodges
Tamarack Flat, Hodgdon Meadow & Crane Flat Campgrounds– close to Big Oak Flat Entrance, 30mins from Yosemite Valley
Camp 4– known as the climber’s camp, there is a lottery to get a campsite here
White Wolf Campground– 2 miles off Tioga Road, near White Wolf Lodge and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Yosemite Creek Campground– 5 miles off Tioga Road (remote)
Porcupine Flat Campground– primitive camping, over an hour to Yosemite Valley
Tuolumne Meadows Campground– best campground off Tioga Road, close to services, and Tuolumne River

All Yosemite National Park campgrounds can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

After a big hike or rock climbing, nothing feels as refreshing as jumping into the Tuolumne River! And there are lots of great natural pools for swimming adjacent to the Tuolumne Meadows Campground!

Hotels and lodging in Yosemite National Park

If camping in Yosemite National Park is not your thing, no worries, there are more posh accommodations. And there are even glamping options for those who want the camping experience, but not all the hassle! Here are a few options we love:

Ahwahnee Hotel– the crown jewel of National Park lodges. Worth visiting even if you don’t stay!
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Housekeeping Camp
Curry Village– pre-set tents with beds, showers, restaurant, coffee
Wawona Hotel– gorgeous old hotel at South Entrance
White Wolf Lodge– a few miles off Tioga Road. Rustic cabins and glamping options!
Yosemite West– lots of hotel and lodging options and close to Badger Pass Ski Area

All hotels and lodges can be booked through several travel sites, including TravelYosemite.com

6. Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park

When it comes to rock climbing, Yosemite National Park is the premier climbing destination in the U.S. and its become increasingly popular thanks to films like Free Solo and the Dawn Wall. You could spend your whole life climbing here and not discover all that the area has to offer.

We always skip the crowded Yosemite Valley and head for Tuolumne Meadows. Here you’ll find less crowded climbing on solid alpine granite, and a greater chance of scoring a campsite!

In addition, besides Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite National Park has hundreds of trad and sport routes, and dozens of boulder problems. Classic climbing areas in Tuolumne Meadows include the big triple crown of Tenaya Peak, Matthes Crest and Cathedral Peak, plus dozens of routes on Fairview Dome, Lembert Dome, Puppy Dome…Plus you can swim in the Tuolumne River or Tenaya Lake when you finish up!

Learn to Rock Climb in yosemite

If you want to try rock climbing in Yosemite for the first time, get your kids involved, or maybe you know how to climb but don’t have the gear, go with a guide or organize a group outing. Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service, located in Curry Village, is one of the only guiding operations allowed to operate in the park.

High above the valley floor, rock climbing in Tuolumne Meadows provides incredible views and fewer crowds.

Nearby Climbing Areas Outside Yosemite National Park

Not ready for trad climbing in Yosemite and seeking more sport routes? Well with great weather and low humidity, the Bishop area is a climbing mecca year-round.

Other areas with good climbing and short approaches for beginners and families? We like Mammoth and June Lake. Read about all of these places in our Eastern Sierras blog!

Best Time Of Year To Climb or watch rock climbers

For rock climbers, the colder and drier the rock is, the better. This is because cold, dry weather produces more friction between your skin and the rock. However, you’ll be able to climb or observe climbers year-round in Yosemite Valley. And remember, Tuolumne Meadows access will be limited to May through October.

For the chance to catch many of the pro climbers that have called Yosemite Valley home, head to El Capitan Meadow. Remember to pack your binoculars or a scope to see climbers from around the world scaling El Capitan’s big walls from morning to night.

In addition, the views of El Capitan at night are spectacular as the climbers’ headlamps illuminate their path upwards. Or light up their bivy sacks as they settle in for the evening high up on the wall!

7. OTHER activities in Yosemite National Park

Not a climber? Well, there are still plenty of activities to try when you’re camping in Yosemite National Park:

Hike Yosemite Falls, a 7.2-mile round trip to the top of the falls
Rent a bike in Curry Village and ride around the Valley!
Take the paved trails to view Vernal, Bridalveil & Nevada Falls
Go skiing, tubing or snowboarding at Badger Pass Ski Area
Fish the Merced River in El Capitan Meadow or the Tuolumne River. Get a California fishing permit first!
Take in the view at Clouds Rest!
Swim, SUP, fish, or kayak on the gorgeous Tenaya Lake
Apply for a permit to hike Half Dome. This strenuous 14-16 mile round-trip hike gains 4,800 feet, the steepest, most dangerous section is the last 400ft. where you’ll be assisted by cables.

Backpacking through Yosemite National Park towards Mount Whitney is a popular starting point for those that want to experience the John Muir Trail or the Ansel Adams Wilderness!

8. Spotting Bears and Other Wildlife in Yosemite National Park

There is an abundance of wildlife in Yosemite National Park. From marmots to coyotes, big horn sheep to mule deer, and then of course the 300-500 black bears that call Yosemite home. The best time to spot wildlife is early mornings or at sunset in the meadows and during the quieter months in the park.

The place you don’t want to encourage wildlife to visit is your campsite. Therefore all campsites in Yosemite National Park are equipped with food lockers or bear boxes.

Tips on keeping a bear-free campsite and staying bear-aware:

Use the bear box! Put all items with a scent in the bear box. This includes soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
Do not leave cooking utensils, dishes, or stoves on your picnic table. It will guarantee unwanted visitors. And not just a black bear. Squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and deer will raid your campsite for any items that look and smell like a treat!
Keep a safe distance from bears if you spot one. Especially if it’s a mother and her cubs. 300ft. is what’s recommended. Resist the urge to approach for a better photo.

camping in Yosemite national park: final thoughts

If you’ve never been camping in Yosemite National Park, add it to your adventure list! Want more adventure tips and travel destinations? Check out some of our other travel blogs here:

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Until next time, happy camping!

– Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media

The post Camping in Yosemite National Park: Best Campgrounds, Hiking and Rock Climbing appeared first on Top Rope Media.

California Beach Camping: San Elijo State Beach

Meredith — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 18:11:04 +0000

Camping on the California Coast: San Elijo Campground

San Elijo Campground is one of the best beach camping spots on the California coast! Picture yourself perched up on the bluff, overlooking the ocean, going to sleep with the sound of the waves. If you’re planning a road trip, or just want a break from the inland heat, here’s everything you need to know about San Elijo State Beach and Campground!

Where is San Elijo Campground

The San Elijo campground is located at San Elijo State Beach, nestled in the coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, or just Cardiff if you want to sound more like a local. It’s sandwiched in between the larger beach towns of Encinitas and Solana Beach. Cardiff is not a large town, it’s mostly residential. And, the shops and restaurants are actually located in a small cluster on San Elijo Avenue and not on the 101 or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This gives you miles of uninterrupted ocean views!

Beachfront campsites are hard to find in California, but San Elijo has several spots and a few with hookups!

When to Visit San Elijo Campground

Whether you’re coming for a few days to camp, or plan to stay a few weeks, the campground at San Elijo State Beach is open year-round! The best months for camping along the California coast are July through October. Then you can avoid the May gray/June gloom we typically experience when the fog rolls in and sticks around almost all day. And, although the cooler winter months will see fewer travelers, you’d enjoy those months better if you have an RV or other hard-sided vehicle.

Keep in mind, California camping is popular all year round! So, plan ahead by booking your campsite in San Elijo a few months in advance. Check out our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a full list of what we bring!

Here’s the San Elijo Campground Map and San Elijo State Beach. Pay attention to where the bluffs and stairs are, as there is no handicapped accessible way to reach the beach from the north end of the campground (left side of image).

How to Book a Campsite at San Elijo Campground

Once you’re ready to book a campsite at San Elijo State Beach, use ReserveCalifornia.com to reserve a campsite.

Not seeing the campsites you want or finding the campground fully booked? Try logging on at 8am each morning. This is when changes/cancellations are applied. And, it’s how we were able to score an oceanfront campsite less than 48 hours in advance!

Lower, Middle, and Upper Sections of San Elijo Campground

Camping is available in either the Lower, Middle, or Upper sections of San Elijo State Beach. What’s the difference? The lower section of the San Elijo campground is right near the river mouth, or the San Elijo Lagoon. It’s the best spot if you want to surf Cardiff Reef. More on the different surf breaks in a bit. The lower section is also best for families with little kids who want easy beach access with no stairs. There is a lifeguard station right here, and there are both oceanfront spots and inland sites. No hook-ups or shore power.

The middle section lies just north and has both hook-ups and standard sites, but steep stairs to get down to the beach. However, it’s easiest to get into the town of Cardiff from the lower or middle section, which is where you’ll head for groceries, shops, and restaurants. The Upper section is high up on the bluff. So you’ll have incredible views of the ocean and sunsets, but alas, lots of stairs. No hook-ups here either, but it is a lot quieter. And fewer kids. And, good access to Pipes, another great surf break!

Note: During high tide, the middle and upper sections of the San Elijo campground’s beach become almost inaccessible. The waves often crash right up against the cliffs! So it’s great for getting out to surf without crowds, but not good for little kids.

Camping along the California coast at San Elijo State Beach means beautiful sunsets, s’mores around the campfire, and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the sea.

What to Expect at San Elijo Campground

After you check in at the ranger station around 3pm you can be out in the ocean in less than 10 minutes…unless you want to unpack! Here are the amenities and things you should be aware of at the San Elijo campground:

Picnic tables, fire rings with grills
Full hook-ups at some middle section sites (see the San Elijo Campground map above)
Tokens are available at the ranger station kiosk for hot showers!
Bathrooms and dishwashing sink
Drinking water spigots in front of every other campsite.
Noise: Ocean waves crashing on the shore can be gentle on some nights and downright mind-numbing on others. In addition, expect frequent trains.
Theft: Although we did not experience any, there are signs everywhere not to leave your surfboards or bicycles out.
Lack of shade: most campsites do not have large, leafy trees, so bring a pop-up, umbrellas, or something to create shade.
Cement camping pads and sandy sites. Bring a ground tarp/rug/pad to keep the sand and dust from getting unruly!

Camping with Dogs and Pets

We camp all the time with our hound dog, Lucy. And yes, dogs are allowed in San Elijo State Beach Campground. However, just as in most State and National Parks, your dog must be leashed at all times. And, they cannot leave the pavement.

However, if you want to walk on the beach with your dog, head to the south end of the campground, adjacent to Cardiff State Beach, where dogs are allowed on the beach and they can go in the water! Just make sure to keep them on a leash.

In addition, dogs cannot be left unattended while camping in San Elijo, so make sure you take turns surfing. Or, it’s cool enough to leave them inside your camper.

You can camp with your pup at San Elijo, but you cannot bring them down the stairs and onto the beach, except by the river mouth on the south end.

Top 5 things to see and do at San Elijo State Beach and Campground:

1. Relax and Enjoy the View

Pack binoculars, a good camp or beach chair, and something for shade. Then, settle in and enjoy the ocean view! From here, besides surfers, you can spot California brown pelicans and ospreys, and it’s great for whale watching!

2. Surfing or Stand Up Paddle Board

The surf breaks near San Elijo campground are some of the best in San Diego! There are mostly rocky reef beach breaks, and honestly, most are not suitable for beginners. The waves often break right over the reef, making the take-off challenging, especially at low tide.

Bring booties if you want to protect your feet. You’ll often have to walk over the reef a bit before you can begin to paddle in some sections. Board rentals and other gear can be found at Cardiff Surf Co or Patagonia Cardiff.

Not only can you check the surf right from your picnic table if you have an oceanfront spot, but lots of campers also put their chairs right up on their table for a better view!

Most popular surf breaks near San Elijo Campground from South to North:

Seaside Reef: South end of Cardiff State Beach
George’s
Cardiff Reef: Far south end where the river flows into the ocean. Popular, and you’re likely to see some local pros in the lineup.
Traps
Pipes: Middle section of the San Elijo Campground.
Tippers: Just behind the Cardiff Kook.
85’s/Bull Taco: There used to be an old taco stand and camp store within the park!
Turtles: north end of San Elijo campground. There’s a paid parking lot, or you can go down the northernmost stairs.

3. Ride Bikes or Run Along the 101- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

California’s Route 101, also known as the PCH or Pacific Coast Highway is the best place in San Diego to pedal, run, walk, and soak in the ocean views! Start at the campground and head south towards Solana Beach, Del Mar, and then climb up Torrey Pines into La Jolla. Or head north and pedal to Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and finish up at Oceanside Harbor Village. You can turn around whenever you’re ready. It’s 27 miles one-way from Torrey Pines to Oceanside Harbor.

Even driving this stretch of San Diego’s coastline is incredible!

Biking along the Pacific Coast Highway or the 101 rewards you with breathtaking views, especially in the southbound direction!

4. Try Cardiff Crack

No, we’re not talking about the local drug scene, but meat. Burgundy peppered tri-tip beef to be exact. Cardiff’s Seaside Market started making what the locals dubbed ‘Cardiff Crack’ in the ’90s. And, it is definitely worth picking some up for dinner around the campfire one night.

5. Hike the San Elijo Ecological Reserve and Annie’s Canyon Trail

Leave the coast and walk inland to reach the San Elijo Lagoon for some easy hiking along flat trails. The most popular trail is Annie’s Canyon Trail, where you can slip through slot canyons and scramble up sandstone. Start on the south end of the campground, crossing the bridge over the Lagoon and dropping onto the trail behind Las Olas restaurant. Or enter from San Elijo Avenue or in Solana Beach. Check out All Trails for more details.

The whole stretch of coastline in California’s North County is perfect for beach cruising, and sunset watching.

Last Few Tips for Your California Camping Trip

Ready to go? Take a peek at our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a list of what we pack! For this camping trip, even in the summer, plan on bringing layers. Temperatures vary and it can be quite humid in the mornings and evenings. So much so that you might think it rained while you were sleeping!

Looking for more travel tips?

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy camping!

– Meredith McConvill

The post California Beach Camping: San Elijo State Beach appeared first on Top Rope Media.