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If you can pack enough gear, you can camp one night up there -- all sites are one-nighters, and some are always available.
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I've been curious, Steve. Why is camping at Horseshoe Meadow only one night?
I usually stay more than one night, although usually not in a dedicated camp site. My routine is to drive straight up there and spend the night. Drive to the visitor center (pre-COVID) and get the permit. Drive back and do a prep hike above 10k feet. Spend another night, wake up early and drive to the trailhead. After the hike, maybe spend another night in Horseshoe Meadow.
There are cars that park there for months -- I see them on successive trips months apart. Asked a USFS or BLM worker up there about this and he said that parking is always free (if you camp there is self-registration/fee paying; it even asks how many nights you are staying). He even seemed annoyed that I was asking.
Every time I look in the bear boxes I will see gear that indicates that the party will return 3-4 months later.
