Tips and Tricks to Luxury Camping in Yosemite
The terms “luxury” and “camping” are rarely used in the same sentence. But if you can afford luxury, why should you be deprived of the joy of camping in world-famous Yosemite National Park? And we’re not talking about camping in an RV. That’s cheating.
Enjoying a luxurious camping experience is all about your strength, your gear, your setup and your attitude.
If you’re still on board after assessing those facets of private luxury camping, ask yourself these questions:
How physically fit am I?
This will tell you where you will camp. Being financially fit won’t help you hike for three hours with 40 pounds on your back; you need stamina. If you have it, then a backcountry campground is a smart choice. And make sure you follow Yosemite’s backcountry guidelines. If you’re high on enthusiasm but less physically fit, use the Valley or high country campgrounds such as Tuolumne Meadows.
Do I have the right gear and equipment?
How physically comfortable you are camping is directly proportionate to what kind of gear you bring. You should have a quality, goose-down sleeping bag, especially in winter, for instance, and a lightweight sleeping mattress is always a good idea. A meal is much better cooked on a Camp Chef 3-burner grill with flat skillet than on a Wal-Mart junk stove with a $3 egg pan. Food stays colder and fresher when stored in a Yeti cooler than in a cheapie model.
Will you cram three people into a 2-man tent or spread out in a 6-man tent? Will you sleep on the ground or in a hammock?
But keep this in mind: There’s such a thing as too much gear. Just because you can bring something doesn’t mean you should. If you can live without it, don’t bring it. That might even include electronics if you want the true Yosemite camping experience.
Am I up-to-date on Yosemite’s regulations and requirements?
You can save yourself many headaches by staying informed or traveling with a private guide who knows the rules. Fires are allowed in the Valley campgrounds from May to September only from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Campsites are limited to 6 people. If you’re on your own, make sure to study the park maps carefully and chose a site with plenty of space. The Lower Pines campground includes areas where water pools up in early summer, so beware of low-lying campgrounds.
And lastly, who are my camping mates?
The bad attitude of one camper can take your trip from luxury to emotional poverty, just by virtue of a negative mindset. Go with good, fun people, ideally ones who know and appreciate the terrain and who enjoy the outdoors.
We can help you out, either as Yosemite consultants to help you plan your own trip or to customize a private Yosemite tour to fulfill your goals and lead you on one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Reserve a private tour with us today.
