Another option is the walk-in campsites right at the Portal. There you might notice more activity because there are many hikers coming and going who are not camping there. The sites there are very convenient - always available, very close to trail head, Portal Store, restroom, water faucet, garbage cans, and bear lockers. I have camped there a couple of times and experienced no problems. I think the fee is $12 per night (1 night only) and the sites are small only big enough for one tent (but there are plenty)
Been there many times and never found the beer lockers.
