Pros & cons
PROS
- Next to the Hetch Hetchy overnight parking and trailheads
- Bear lockers and picnic tables for easy staging
- Open year-round
CONS
- Wilderness permit required unless arriving by foot or bike
- Potable water not guaranteed; amenities are minimal
Overview
This is Yosemite’s no-frills, super-convenient staging area for Hetch Hetchy backpacking trips. It sits beside the overnight parking and near the trailheads, so you can roll in, crash, and walk straight to your permit entry the next morning. Expect a simple, shared layout with just the essentials—perfect before or after a trip, not a destination for hanging out.
Who Can Stay (and How Long)
- Wilderness permit holders: one night before your start and one night after you exit.
- Arriving by foot or bicycle: you may stay the night you arrive.
- No reservations; first-come, first-served. Half Dome day-hiker permits aren’t eligible.
Amenities & Setup
- Bear lockers and picnic tables are provided.
- Restrooms are in the trailhead/parking area zone nearby.
- Potable water is not guaranteed at camp—bring your own or plan to treat water.
- Expect communal use: you may share space, and you’ll tag your tent per posted instructions.
Access & Logistics
- Open year-round, but the Hetch Hetchy Road only opens from sunrise to sunset—arrive before the gate closes.
- No public transit serves Hetch Hetchy; plan to arrive by car, on foot, or by bike.
- Vehicle size limits apply on the road (no oversized rigs). Park in the adjacent overnight lot and walk into camp.
- Fee is $8 per person per night; follow the on-site kiosk instructions to pay (this campground doesn’t use the Scan & Pay app).
Wildlife & Food Storage
Deer and other wildlife roam the area. Use the provided bear lockers for all scented items and follow posted food-storage rules.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re backpacking from Hetch Hetchy, absolutely. It’s not fancy, but the location makes early starts and post-hike overnights painless. If you’re looking for amenities or a classic campground experience, look elsewhere.
Best Time to Visit
- Best for pre/post-trip overnights tied to your permit dates.
- Aim to arrive mid-to-late afternoon to settle in before the road gate closes at sunset.
- Summer can be hot at this lower elevation; shoulder seasons are more comfortable.
Where it is
37.9439, -119.7861Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground
Tips for Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground
- 01Arrive before sunset; the Hetch Hetchy gate closes nightly.
- 02Bring your wilderness permit (or arrive by bike or on foot).
- 03Have $8 per person ready and pay via the on-site kiosk instructions.
- 04Bring water or a filter; potable water at camp isn’t guaranteed.
- 05Park in the adjacent overnight lot and tag your tent per posted rules.
Amenities
Near Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayO’Shaughnessy DamHistoric dam with big Hetch Hetchy views and trailhead accessTrailhead · Parking
1.3 mi awaySmith Peak TrailRemote, brushy climb to big Hetch Hetchy and north country viewsChallenging · 12.8 mi · 7.4 hr
1.6 mi awayKolana RockGranite dome towering 2,000 feet above Hetch Hetchy ReservoirParking · Restroom
1.6 mi awayTueeulala FallsShort‑lived 840‑foot cascade on Hetch Hetchy’s shoreline trailParking · Restroom
1.9 mi awayWapama FallsRoaring Hetch Hetchy waterfall with misty spring footbridgesScenic Viewpoint
2.8 mi awayPoopenaut Valley TrailYosemite’s steepest trail to a wild Tuolumne River meadowChallenging · 2.5 mi · 3.5 hr
7.2 mi awayKibbie Ridge TrailGranite-rimmed lakes via a sun-baked ridge with big Cherry Creek viewsChallenging · 11.7 mi · 6 hr
10 mi awayCarlon Falls TrailShaded river stroll to a swim-friendly waterfall near Hwy 120Easy · 3.8 mi · 1.5 hr
