Program Overview: In real life, aka IRL. That’s the whole idea. IRL Camp is a weekend in Yosemite Valley built for adults who want to put the phone away, get outside, and share the experience with people who want the same thing.
Over two days, your Yosemite Conservancy naturalist guide will take your group into the heart of the Valley — walking beneath the cliffs, tracking down waterfalls and wildlife, and getting into the geology, ecology, and stories that make this place what it is. Evenings are for the campfire: conversation, night skies, and the kind of easy company that comes from spending a day outdoors together.
No experience necessary, and no need to bring a group — showing up on your own is the point. Come for the granite, stay for the people.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Friday, June 4, stargazing program from 9 pm–10:30 pm. Saturday, June 5, Naturalist-led hike from 9 am–2 pm and evening campfire from 8–9 pm.
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s Included
- Guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide
- Free day on Sunday, June 6, to explore the park on your own
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Friday, June 4, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, June 7, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 5–6 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit. Within two weeks of registration, select “Camping” or “Not Camping” in your online portal to reserve your spot in a shared campsite. Spaces are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Access your portal through your confirmation email, and check your spam folder if needed.
- Camping Location: Upper Pines Campground
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Curry Village tent cabins for an additional cost using our dedicated room block. A limited number of rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early. The room block expires 30 days before the program, at which point any remaining rooms are released for public booking. Lodging dates match the camping dates. Upgrade instructions will be included in your confirmation email after registration.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
