My "secret" site is legal and it is NOT between Happy Isles and Little Yosemite Valley. Sorry if my words implied otherwise.

There are a million wonderful and fully legal places to camp in Yosemite and beginners should not feel bound to camp at the few over-used standard sites. Now that bear cannisters are required it does not even make sense to be camped on top of others. The only advantage of Little Yosemite Valley campground was the availability of bear boxes. If in doubt, have the ranger mark on your maps the areas that are not legal. You are then free to camp anywhere else as long as you are 200 feet from the trail and water bodies and stay away from ecologically sensitive ground (fragile meadows).

But to do this you will have to step off the trail and activily hunt for a good site, make valued judgements, find water sources, perhaps carry water to your campsite, and truely be alone - things that all backpackers should learn how to do. Yosemite is a great place for beginners because you have the choice - start out at the standard sites until you get comfortable with being outdoors then gradually start venturing out to find your own little pieces of paradise.