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going camping at yosemite... n00b here..please give advice

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d33pt

Diamond Member
ok i'm trying to plan a camping trip with me and my gf at yosemite and i'm pretty much a newbie at this so please help me out.. i basically need advice on everything. i was looking online and it seems like i need to reserve a site at yosemite, but it seems like a hotel, with checkin dates/times and everything.. i'd rather not camp next to a bunch of other ppl, so is there a place where we can go, park, hike a bit with our stuff then make a camp without any reservations or anyone to bother us?

also what to bring besides sleeping bag and tent? what kinda foods to bring?

ok can ya tell i'm a n00b? any help is appreciated.. just toss stuff out. i'll post more once i think of it..
 
This should start you off...

___ Tent/shelter (waterproof)
___ Sleeping bag - stuff sack (rated for season)
___ Sleeping pad/roll
___ Clothing to suit weather/layers
___ Waterproof coat/poncho
___ Waterproof pants
___ Extra clothes
___ Extra socks
___ Moleskin - prevent blisters
___ Small towel
___ Latrine shovel
___ Toilet paper
___ Extra shoes to wear at campsite
___ Watch
___ Matches/lighter
___ Flashlight
___ Batteries
___ First aid kit
___ Knife
___ Length of rope to tie up food
___ Map(s)
___ Bandana
___ Insect repellent
___ Sunscreen
___ Lantern/candles
___ Sunglasses
___ Hat
___ Compass
___ Food (bring extra)
___ Stove/fuel
___ Pans/plates/utensils
___ Potholder
___ Bio-degradable soap/sponge
___ Water filtration system/tablets
___ Trash bags
___ Cell phone/whistle or other communication device

When it comes to camping, there are 2 different types:

Campsite Camping-

95% safe, protected, etc. Only real "danger" is when you hike off 3+miles from the site, or 200 yards from the trail

Backwoods Camping

x% safe. Soooo many variables... it's greater fun at a greater risk. If you're going soon, be sure to think "warm", as it gets chilly out there in the backwoods.


Tips-

Don't pack more than you need! I don't care if you're bringing a school bus out there for the 2 of you!

Pack light, but pack smart!

SOCKS and SHOES are the MOST important part of the trip. Bring the most comfortable with the best grip! *EXTRA SOCKS*

Forget boxers buddy, bring out the stained whitey tighties; movement and non-chaffing are KEY to an enjoyable hike!

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER- H2o should be pouring out of your nostrils... remember to drink at least 30oz. every hour of your hike!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^-very important.

Pace yourself... you're in nature's hands out there...

*Don't do anything that you wouldn't do at work*(granted you have good werk ethics)


I don't know how experienced you are, but I would CaMp in a remote, yet populated/accesible place, and save the privacy for the l0O0o00OOoong hikes.

One last thing for this reply-

Consider what you are going up there for-

Photography? Privacy? Health? Sex? Sightseeing?

...and base the trip on those premises...


 
You might want to check with the forest service first. Last I heard, they were having problems out there with a few wildfires.
 
I hear the bears can be a problem if you leave food in your car and stuff. So keep all your food in bear proof boxes. These bears can bust into to cars no problem if they smell something in there.
 
To camp in the backcountry, you will need to get a backcountry permit and still camp in the designated campsites. I'm not sure about availability for this weekend though. Usually they run out of permits for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends very early. And the campsites close to the trailheads are still a few miles out. Have you ever been backpacking before?
All food must be stored in bear proof containers. I know Yellowstone provides lock boxes for food in the noth end of the park but not sure about Yosemite. Its been a few years since I've been there. The park service will fine you if the catch you leaving a parked car over night with unsecured food. Bears breaking into cars are a huge problem there. Even potato chip crumbs are enough to attract a bear to breaking into the car.
Another option would be to camp outside the park. I usually prefer to hike the trails going into the park rather than drive into the park and then hike the crowded trails in the park.
Edit:
Kitros has a good list. I'll add good frame packs if you are planning on going backpacking for your campsite and remember to leave no trace. I believe there is an REI down in San Diego that will be more than gratious to help you out.
 


Definitely do not feed the bears. I went off trial and had a great time. If you want to be alone, pack light and hick up into the mountains to camp.

There are a lot of animals up there. I had the misfortune of having only one bear canister so we hung up the rest of the food. Damn those bears are smart. We had a late night visitor late scared the cr*p out of us. Took my nutri-grain bars. 🙁

It is a great time though. I would add to rent bear canisters if you go off trial. They are heavy but you get to keep your food in the end. 😉

GB
 
Good basic list.

I would also suggest a detailed topographic map of the immediate area you intend to camp / hike; and another that includes the surrounding area to go with that compass. Keep them in a waterproof container - a large zip-lok freezer bag works fine.

Pack a signal mirror and cyalume light sticks - nobody that was lost ever planned on getting lost; and use 8-hour light stix for utility and "camp location" lights to save battery light for actual need.

Each individual should have a whistle, pocket knife, and a mini flashlight with them full-time (especially while making "nature calls"). Depending on where you're at, you would be amazed at how easy it can be to get disoriented and "lose the campsite" on a moonless night.

If you are in "Bear Country", make noise as you hike. Attach some small "jingle bells" to your personal gear to help "announce" your presence. Stay alert and observent. If you encounter bear nearby, retreat from the area in a calm and deliberate fashion - DO NOT RUN or CLIMB TREES under ANY circumstances.

If it appears that they have seen or scented you, stand your ground and yell at them (or use that whistle!) while avoiding direct eye contact - wild animals perceive staring and bared teeth as threatening behavior.

If all else fails and they continue to approach you in an attack: Drop to the ground, curl up in a tight fetal position, and play dead. You may get sniffed - bears have REALLY BAD breath! :disgust: - or swatted around roughly, but they will generally lose interest and leave after awhile.

Remember that "prepared" is more a state-of-mind than a condition . . .
 
thanks for the great tips guys... i'll definitely be taking that list down and making sure i have everything..

as far as food goes.. we're gonna be out there probably 3 days 2 nights.. what types of food should we bring?
 
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