Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
CA
Picnic Table
Toilets
Pet Friendly
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Amenities, activities and location
Amenities
Getting there
CA, US
Good to know
- Pets
- Allowed
- Campfires
- Allowed
About this campground
Permits are required for this walk-in campground that serves as a staging area for Hetch Hetchy backcountry adventures. Campers check in at the entrance station and pay a $6 per person fee before accessing the established sites, which sit a short walk from the parking area. The campground provides picnic tables, bear boxes, fire rings, restrooms, and trash service. Sites offer views across the reservoir toward granite cliffs and waterfalls. [SwitchbackKids](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/hetch-hetchy/reviews/12509) found the area provided "perfect solitude" compared to crowded Yosemite Valley.
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Several reviewers note the uphill terrain leading to more remote camping spots along backcountry trails. Wildlife sightings include salamanders crossing trails during certain seasons. The location works well for day hikers exploring the dam and tunnel system or as an overnight stop before multi-day backpacking trips. Most campers use the established sites for one night before heading deeper into the wilderness. Road access requires driving to the Hetch Hetchy entrance, where rangers provide current regulations about food storage and camping distances from trails. For those planning extended stays in the region, [campgrounds near Yosemite National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/yosemite-national-park) offer additional options. The walk-in format and permit requirements make this campground best suited for prepared backpackers rather than casual car campers.
From The Dyrt · checked 19 Jun 2026
Reviews
Smith Meadows Wilderness offers a serene camping experience with beautiful lake views and well-maintained sites, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and access to hiking trails. While the amenities are basic and may not suit campers looking for luxury, the campground provides essential facilities like picnic tables and bear boxes. The requirement for permits and fees is a minor inconvenience, but many reviewers appreciate the tranquility and scenic vistas, especially when venturing into the backcountry.
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Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
Last checked Jun 2026
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