Backpacking through Yosemite offers many adventures, incredible views and the opportunity to experience nature at its best. At the High Sierra Camps in Yosemite National Park, you can stay in the backcountry as you travel on a multi-day trek, or you can simply hike to the individual camp, enjoy the views and camaraderie and head back again.

Location

These camps are in the high country, and only accessible by foot or by horseback. The High Sierra Camp Loop is a trail of about 49 miles. This loop trail takes you to these one-of-a-kind camps, one by one, each placed about 5 ½ to 10 miles apart. Overnight accommodations include breakfast and dinner, and you stay in a cozy canvas cabin. You won’t have to lug tents or food on your hike!

Cost for 2017

For meals and lodging, the cost is $139-$146 for adults. Meals only cost $80.

Contact Info

For more information about wilderness permits, camp reservations and meals-only reservations, and how to fill out the lottery application, call 1-888-413-8869. Reservation Request Form.

Backcountry Campgrounds

There are 5 backcountry High Sierra Camps in Yosemite National Park, each with their own unique landscapes and views.

Glen Aulin
Situated in the forest near the beautiful White Cascade waterfall, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is a favorite of Yosemite visitors. You get there from the trail at Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road. Breakfast and dinner is served in a dining tent. You can also get sack lunches by ordering them the night before they are needed. There are restrooms with soap, but you must bring your own towel. There are no showers at this camp. You will need to provide your own sheets or sleeping bags.

May Lake
You’ll get in some fishing and swimming at this beautiful mountain lake, and enjoy the views of Tenaya Lake, Cloud’s Rest and the High Sierras. To get there, you drive on the Tioga Road (from Yosemite Valley) for 28 miles to the May Lake turnoff. At this High Sierra Camp, you can get breakfast and dinner at the dining tent and order a sack lunch if needed for the next day. There are showers and restroom facilities. You must bring your own towels and your own sheets or sleeping bag.

Sunrise
Marvel at the sunrise over the Clark Range from Sunrise High Sierra Camp. You’ll be at an elevation of 9,400 feet with views of Echo Peak, Cathedral Peak and Matthes Crest. You’ll find the trailhead on the west end of Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road. There is a parking lot with a sign saying “Sunrise.” At the camp, you will dine in a tent for breakfast and dinner, and can order a sack lunch for the next day. Facilities include restrooms and showers. Bring your own sheets or sleeping bags and your own towels.

Merced Lake
Because this camp is at a lower elevation, firs, pines and aspens will surround you. You can fish in the lake, get views of Half Dome and enjoy warmer temperatures. Merced Lake High Sierra Camp has 18 tent cabins. The trailhead is just off the main road to the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. You’ll find showers (bring your own towels) and restrooms here. Dinner and breakfast is served in a dining tent. You will need to bring all your own bedding.

Vogelsang
This camp is located just beyond Fletcher Lake and along Fletcher Creek. This alpine setting attracts many hikers, with the snow-capped peaks, lakes and meadows. Hike from Tuolumne Meadows near Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. There are 12 tent cabins with restrooms available. There are no showers. You can get a nice breakfast and dinner in the dining tent and can have a sack lunch prepared for the next day. Provide your own sheets or sleeping bags.