Yosemite Forum

Question about staying at the Backpackers campgrounds.

NPS website:
"Backpackers campgrounds are available for wilderness permit holders to spend one night before and one night after a wilderness trip. Reservations are neither necessary nor required. However, a valid wilderness permit is required for backpackers to stay at the campground..."

What if you have a reservation for a wilderness permit but arrive after 5PM the night before and therefore cannot convert your reservation into a permit? Is it okay to stay in the campground and get your permit the next morning?

With a good attitude, the backpacker ranger who comes around and checks will take your offical permit "reservation" paper (or phone screen image?) as good enough to stay over BP campground sans actual permit.
Not mentioned but also legal, telling them that you came in by YARTS and thus also too late to pick up a wilderness permit.