I’m going to combine two of this month’s themes – Great Outdoors and National Camping Month to show you what I consider to be one of the most incredible locations on earth. Of all the places I’ve camped (and there have been many over the years scattered across a good portion of the country), Yosemite is my favorite. It doesn’t get any more beautiful than this magical park filled with granite peaks and cascading waterfalls. It truly takes your breath away.
I’ve camped in Yosemite off and on since I was a teenager, experiencing its beauty with my parents, friends, my husband, and my daughters over the years. There’s something about the continuity of coming back over and over to a special place that feeds your soul. And the best thing about the great outdoors is it’s always changing, offering something new and different with each season.
We camp the old fashioned way—in a tent. When I was young and a little more energetic, we escaped the crowds with backpacks, heading into the backcountry where we only came across an occasional hiker or bear. With young kids, we settled for camping in the more traditional manner, but we found a way around the hassle of reservations acquired months in advance (when luck was with you.) Camp 4 is a walk-in 
campground, no reservations taken. Each site holds up to six people, and it is favored by rock climbers. You leave your car in the lot and haul your gear to the site. Sometimes you share. Everyone is very friendly. Our favorite time to go is mid-week during spring break in April. The waterfalls are raging, trails aren’t as crowded, and campsites are relatively easy to get. It’s cold during the evening, but not too hot during the day.
The only problem – no dogs on the trails! So maybe Yosemite isn’t perfect after all. I hope you’ve enjoyed the photos. For information on my books, visit my website, or purchase them from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online sites.
14 comments:
We did some camping when I was a kid. I would have enjoyed it more if we could have left my dad at home. He had a rotten sense of humor concerning snakes and things like that. I hate snakes! Anyway, I love your photos and envy your memories. Thank you for sharing.
Nice post. I am looking for some good campgrounds in Texas. Though, I have got some good listings campground availability at http://www.thatsnotcamping.com/campgrounds/TX
Can you check and let me know which one is the best?
Yosemite is on my list to see one day. Looks absolutely beautiful. What a great way to enjoy the outdoors than to camp.
Gorgeous photos, Jannine - thanks for sharing. Another place to add to my 'bucket list'!
As someone who has (literally...honest) been to Yosemite over 100 times, I totally agree with you about it being an incredible place. We've tent camped in summer and winter, motor home camped, and stayed at the lodge over the years and I enjoyed all of them.
Jena, funny the things you remember. I'm not a huge snake fan, either.
Simone, Hope you find a great spot in Texas to camp.
Jerri and Glenys, If you get out this way, don't miss Yosemite. You can't do the magnitude of the views justice in a photo.
Samantha, you have me beat! I've probably only got 20 trips under my belt, and I thought that was a lot! You must be a CA girl, too.
I'm not a camper - haven't camped since Girl Scouts - but now that we're spending more time in California, I can't wait to see Yosemite!
Alison, They have hotels and lodges, too! LOL It's not far from Carmel, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
I love Yosemite and loved your pictures. Thanks so much.
Lynne
You're welcome, Lynne!
Gorgeous pictures of Yosemite, Jannine. I've never been but I can imagine it's a spectacular place to camp.
Jana
Thanks, Jana, it is spectacular!
Gorgeous pix! Lovely family. :-) I now do "hotel camping" LOL, but your way sounds lovely.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Regina. Tent camping is fun, but the getting everything organized to go part can be exhausting!
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