Camping without a reservation in the backcountry...

[SAFNYC]

Does Yosemite park allow camping at any location in the back country? I mean if I am backpacking through Tenaya Canyon and I can't make it back to the TH before dark, what's stopping me from setting up my tent and spending the night? Can you get a ticket if a ranger happens to stop by?

[dan]

Does Yosemite park allow camping at any location in the back country?

Yes, if you have a wilderness permit and it's not disallowed (next to a road, stream, lake, or trail, or posted area).

If you have no wilderness permit, it's not allowed.

Yes, you'll get a ticket and be escorted out if you're caught.

- Dan

[bill-e-g]

If you're backpacking through Tenaya Canyon you might end up
getting a different sort of escort out of there (SAR).

As far as permits go you give your BEST GUESS at exit date.
You don't HAVE to exit on that date. If you are off by 1 or 2 days
you shouldn't get any grief after a short explanation....

[SAFNYC]

I called the Wilderness Office last night and they told me that, unless I camped in a designated site, I would be fined if caught by a ranger. I don't have a problem with that. But let's be realistic for a moment: What are the chances of getting fined if one were to set up a campsite far away from any road, trail, or designated camp site?

[Dave Miller]

You've been told what the rules are and should follow them. They are there for a reason, not just to inconvenience you. Get a permit if you want to do some back country camping. If you want to do car camping, get a campground reservation. Don't try to justify why you think you are above the law. If you don't get caught, that doesn't make your actions right. It's that simple.

I lead a boys group and take them into the backcountry all the time. I'd be setting a bad example if I followed your logic.

[bill-e-g]

Realistically you should think about the big picture.
What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?
Rules aren't there to piss you off.
Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.
Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

Or find a site at one of the first-come-first served campgrounds.

[SAFNYC]

Realistically you should think about the big picture.
What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?
Rules aren't there to piss you off.
Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.
Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

Or find a site at one of the first-come-first served campgrounds.

I'm not looking to bypass the rules; I plan to get the permits. Thanks

[SAFNYC]

Realistically you should think about the big picture.
What if everyone did this? What if a large number of people did this?
Rules aren't there to piss you off.
Get a wilderness permit. There will be one available at some TH.
Hike in a couple miles and pitch your tent. Leave no trace.

Or find a site at one of the first-come-first served campgrounds.

Regarding the first-come, first-serve sites, how early should one arrive to get a camp site? I plan on camping at the Porcupine Flat site on the weekend og July 11,12. I intend to arrive at the site's registration desk by 6AM; is that early enough, too early? I don't know...