Glen Aulin, Yosemite Questions

“In July, I have a group of 8-10 backpackers going to the Glen Aulin area of Yosemite for a basecamp, then day hiking from there. I know there is a main backpacker camp area near the trail and High Sierra Camp. I would prefer camping more remotely, maybe a mile away from there. Does anyone know about impacted camp spots that would be ok for 8-10 at nearby McGee Lake to the SW of Glen Aulin? Thank you so much!
John”

“National Parks are tightly regulated as to where you camp. I do not believe they will let you camp whereever you want mainly because of bears. You will be better off using the established campsite.”

“Glen Aulin is considered a high impact area and YNP requires that people actually stay in designated campsites in that area. There are toilets in the area as well.

With that large of a group I doubt you would be able to get away with camping in a non designated area by Glen Aulin.

Other areas, that are not considered special use do not have these same rules.

There are also “no camping” zones one mile from any road and four miles around the more heavily populated areas in the park. The four mile restriction includes all trails out of Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, Glacier Point, and Wawona.

Otherwise, in YNP, you can backpack just about anywhere as long as you have a permit for that trailhead.”

“Thank you, Yotaman and SandyAnn, for your input. Yes, I am looking for a spot about a mile away from the Glen Aulin camps, so I will be within the regulations. I have heard that up Conness Creek there are some opportunities. Anybody have experience with that or even down by Tuolumne River towards the series of falls? Thanks.
John”