The best camping near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hetch Hetchy Reservoir adventure.

Discover Hetch Hetchy's majestic waterfalls and serene wilderness.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

89%

(246)

Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

98%

(672)

Yosemite's Colfax Spring

8 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite's Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

99%

(45)

River Ranch Campgrounds

28 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Twain Harte, CA

At River Ranch Campgrounds, Tuolumne, CA we offer a wide range of activities to make your stay enjoyable. Take a hike on one of the many trails winding through the Stanislaus National Forest at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or cast a line in the North Fork of the Tuolumne River or Basin Creek for some great native fishing. After a long day of exploration, come back to the campgrounds and relax by the firepit or enjoy a picnic in one of our many picnic areas. Activities in the campground include horseshoes and volleyball. We pride ourselves on blending nature and family camping in a safe, serene environment. We offer water hookups and centrally located restrooms with heated showers to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

90%

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Bridgeport Reservoir Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · CA

Bridgeport Reservoir is a lake at the lower end of Bridgeport Valley in Mono County, California. Its earth-filled dam was constructed in 1923 by the Walker River Irrigation District, along the East Walker River. The campground and marina was built I-don't-know-how-long ago, but it sure is nice! About Us: Welcome to Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Join us for the classic camping and fishing experience with unique views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Within the Toiyabe National Forest, Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground is conveniently located near two distinct hot spring areas. A true angler's paradise, the Reservoir has excellent trout fishing from spring through fall and is close by to multiple rivers for incredible fly fishing. A short 30-minute drive to Tioga pass will bring you straight into the heart of Yosemite National Park. Off-road enthusiasts will have a heyday will the plethora of 4x4 trails in the area as well as the famous trail that brings you right to the Bodie Ghost Town. Climate & Ecosystem: At 6,400 feet (1,950 meters), this high desert climate has little to moderate tree coverage and gets hot during the days and cool at night. The conditions are much like Joshua Tree National Park or Alabama Hills camping area. During your visit, you will notice many flying insects that resemble mosquitos. These Chironomid are harmless and do not bite. On the contrary, the mosquito presence is very minimal. Swimming in the lake is possible usually between April to July.

97%

(206)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. We can't wait for you to stay with us and enjoy what the area has to offer.

97%

(508)

Diamond Gulch

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents824 acres · Groveland, CA

CLOSE TO YOSEMITE! Explore the mines and hang out on our Groveland, California ranch! We are 35 minutes to the main gate of Yosemite National Park. A great place to stay just outside of the park. We have 824 acres on a beautiful cattle ranch with two small ponds. On our property, you'll find frogs, turtles, oak trees, pine trees and stunning views of Yosemite. We have several campsites to choose from including RV camping, tent camping, and a glamping tent. Pets are welcome. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Potable water and toilet are available onsite. There's a golf course less than a mile away. We are also very close to town. In just a few minutes, you can drive to our local grocery store and pizza parlour. We are a 10-minute drive to Pine Mountain Lake. Beautiful Pine Mountain Lake offers golfing, dining, horseback riding, water sports and an airport. When you come to the ranch it feels like you are hundreds of miles away from civilization, but still close to everything you need. It is incredibly peaceful! This is a great place for someone who wants to escape city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Much of the ranch is open wilderness for you to explore, and it's not uncommon to see deer, frogs, turtles, quail, turkeys, or other countless species of birds. Diamond Gulch Camp is the perfect place to relax if you’re a photographer, artist, family or a group of friends looking for a place to camp near Yosemite. A small portion of the property was used as a gold mine years ago, and you may find remnants of old home sites if you go exploring. We're not far from Wards Ferry Road, Groveland, Lake Don Pedro and other interesting places.

Booked 9 times

Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

1 site · Tent15 acres · Groveland, CA

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. Upon returning from a rigorous day of hiking around Yosemite valley, a hot shower awaits you, to wash off the trail dust. Complimentary firewood is also available to use in the metal fire pit, for a relaxing evening around the campfire. If our base package isn't enough, we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Or go for the VIP treatment and sleep on a full-sized bed with fresh linens and a memory foam mattress. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

Booked 2 times

Indian Flat Campground

62 sites · Lodging8 acres · El Portal, CA

Welcome to Indian Flat RV and Campground, the closest campsite to Yosemite National Park, situated just 8 miles from the Arch Rock entrance. Here, you'll find your ultimate destination for experiencing the great outdoors! Exclusively on Hipcamp, we proudly offer our new Jupe Tents, featuring 12-foot high ceilings, a comfortable queen-size bed, air conditioning, solar panels for USB chargers, spacious windows and ventilation, electrical outlets, and dimmable LED lighting. Campground Amenities include: Washrooms Hot Showers Access to outdoor pool (located at neighboring Yosemite Cedar Lodge) Communal fire pits Wifi available (though we encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect digitally and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings. If needed, WiFi is available for purchase upon check-in.) Pets welcome (additional $25 fee)

95%

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Red Tail Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Pine Mountain Lake, CA

Concerned about getting into Yosemite with the new summer reservation requirements? We know all the details, including how to navigate and get through or around the system. Stay with us and we will show you how to access the park with or without reservations. Welcome to Red Tail Ranch (newly listed on Hipcamp), a stunning 90 acre property in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just 25 minutes from the Yosemite entrance gate. Among the oak woodlands, meadows and coniferous forest, there are numerous trails to explore the property and direct riding access to a developed mountain biking area nearby. Great birding, botanizing and wildlife watching opportunities abound. Use Red Tail Ranch as an ideal launching off point for Yosemite or stay on the property and enjoy all that it has to offer. We have RV sites with hookups, a four site drive-in campground and two walk-in campsites- all with clean, flush toilet bathrooms, hot outdoor showers, indoor camp kitchen and gathering space. Whether your pitching a tent, parking a campervan or rv, there are opportunities for everyone. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Groveland with a market and restaurants and just down the road from the put in for rafting on the Tuolumne river. Our pricing is a little higher than other places nearby and this is due to the property's great locations, incredible beauty, and all of the amenities added for a great experience.

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(2)

El Captain’s View 4x4 Only

2 sites · RVs80 acres · El Portal, CA

80 majestic acres of mountain top with a bird's eye view of El Capitan in Yosemite! No frills, no extras, just you and nature. 4x4 access only. Surrounded by over 400,000 acres of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service, there are no houses or stores (45 Minute drive). Far below in elevation is the Merced River and its many swimming and fishing holes (45 Minute drive). Look to the west to see the coastal mountains. Gaze across the Yosemite Valley to the East at iconic El Capitan in the distance. Take a drive into the Yosemite National Park (1 hour drive). Escape the hustle and bustle and federal laws of Yosemite at night (420 friendly). Inclusive. Views in every direction. Breathtaking sunsets. Incredible wildlife. Freedom. America!

96%

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Little Piece of Yosemite

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Mariposa, CA

Learn more about this land:River status: flowing! Camp on our small piece of paradise located near Yosemite. We are a family of 5 (me, my husband, our two toddlers and our dog, River) living on 5 acres of mountain land in the foothills of the Sierras complete with an outdoor shower and bath and also flowing (seasonal) stream that you can swim in. Feel free to wander around the property on a few of our trails or just chill by the water and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Our property is about a 45 min drive to the Yosemite entrance. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they are ok with our dog wandering around. He’s super sweet loves everybody.

76%

(127)

Yosemite Ridge Basecamp

17 sites · Lodging55 acres · Groveland, CA

Come hang at our awesome Park located just 11 miles outside of Yosemite National Park. We have plenty of space for you. *** Please read the entire listing before booking*** ***All guests must check-in inside the general store upon arrival.*** ***Please choose the right site for your needs. *** The store is open from 11am - 7pm. If you are arriving after 7pm you must call or message us to setup your arrival. Late check-ins are subject to a $25 fee to pay staff. Absolutely No arrivals past 8pm, you will be asked to leave. Setup is not allowed during quiet hours. The ridge campsites are for 4x4 camper vans or pickup campers only. Rigs must be fully self sufficient with toilets onboard. There is no restroom on the ridge sites. You will not be allowed to camp on the ridge without 4x4 and an onboard toilet. The tent and RV campground is available for all guests. ***Please respect the land and leave no trace. Water is available at tent sites but electricity or sewer are not. Bathrooms, showers, and laundry are located about 300ft away. Bathrooms are BYOTP Bring your own Toilet Paper.*** Cellular service is extremely limited. AT&T and Verizon work in certain random spots. Wifi only works in the main area of the park. It does not work at the tent sites. Wifi passes are $5 and available as an add-on or inside the general store. It is good enough to make calls, text, receive email and get directions. It is not for streaming. Quiet hours are 9pm to 7am. If you are we receive repeated complaints you will be asked to leave. Campfires, charcoal bbqs, etc are prohibited due to high fire danger. Only gas / propane stoves are allowed. We are very close to rainbow pools, which is a beautiful water fall and swimming pool. We are 11 miles from the city of Groveland, CA. We are 11 miles to the entrance to Yosemite National Park

The best camping near Hetch Hetchy Reservoir guide

Overview

About

Hetch Hetchy is a valley, reservoir, and water system in the northwestern region of Yosemite National Park. Renowned for it's scenic hikes, hidden valleys, and spring waterfalls. Hetch Hetchy is one of the few locations in Yosemite that is generally accessible year-round. While the summer heat can make reaching the lake difficult the cool deep waters are a wonderful reward for your efforts.

When to go

The ideal times to visit Hetch Hetchy Reservoir are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings hotter temperatures, making early morning or late evening the best times for exploration. Winter offers a unique snowy landscape for the adventurous at heart, though access may be limited due to road conditions.

Know before you go

Access to Hetch Hetchy is limited to daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, ensuring you plan your visit accordingly.
During winter months, from November through March, road closures or chain requirements may be in effect due to ice and snow.
Remember, swimming and boating are prohibited in the reservoir to maintain a clean water supply.
Pets are not allowed on the dam or hiking trails, so plan to leave your furry friends at home.
For those looking to fish, public access below the high-water mark of the reservoir is prohibited, and a valid California fishing license is required.