Little Yosemite Valley

Overview

Little Yosemite Valley Campground is the classic backcountry base camp along the Merced River, about a mile beyond Nevada Fall. It’s minimally developed by design—quiet, scenic, and perfectly placed for Half Dome and higher-country itineraries. Expect a true wilderness feel with just enough infrastructure to make life easier without dulling the adventure.

Getting There

Most backpackers hike up from Happy Isles via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail, climbing past Vernal and Nevada Falls. Another option is to approach from Glacier Point along the Panorama Trail. Both routes are beautiful and demanding; start early and consider trekking poles for the steep, often wet steps near the falls.

Permits You’ll Need

• A Yosemite wilderness permit is required to camp here; these are popular and reservations are strongly recommended.
• If your permit is for Happy Isles→Little Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point→Little Yosemite Valley, you must spend your first night in this campground (you can stay additional nights, too).
• Other trailheads require you to camp elsewhere the first night; you can move to LYV after.
• Planning Half Dome? You’ll also need a separate Half Dome permit.
• No camping is allowed between Yosemite Valley and LYV, on top of Half Dome, or at Lost Lake. Dispersed options don’t begin until beyond specific junctions noted by the park.

Camp Setup and Amenities

This is a low-frills, first-come cluster of campsites with no check‑in or check‑out. You’ll find:

• Communal bear-resistant food lockers—use them religiously.
• A composting toilet near the campground.
• Two communal campfire rings just outside the campground (use only dead-and-downed wood; don’t burn trash).
• Water from the Merced River—always treat before drinking, and do all washing 100+ feet from the river (no soap in the stream).

Bears and Food Storage

Bears frequent this area and are very good at finding food. Keep all food, drinks, trash, and scented items in bear lockers or an approved canister unless it’s within arm’s reach. Never hang food here, and don’t padlock or stash non-food in the communal lockers.

Geology: Why It Looks This Way

You’re camping in a valley carved and polished by ice and water. Yosemite’s massive granitic rocks were lifted and later sculpted by repeated glaciations, leaving the domes, sheer walls, and U‑shaped valleys you hike through to reach LYV.

Best Time to Visit

Go early in the day for cooler temps and fewer people on the Mist Trail’s slick steps. Sections of the Panorama approach can be exposed—carry ample water, sun protection, and bug protection in warm months. Evenings around the communal fire rings are social; nights are dark and quiet.

Quick Planning Tips

• Treat all drinking water from the Merced.
• Fires are allowed only in the two communal rings.
• With a valid wilderness permit, backpackers may use designated backpackers’ campgrounds in the park the night before and/or after their trip.
• Check current park conditions and any fire restrictions before you go.