Hetch Hetchy Camping: Weekend Guide to Yosemite’s Hidden Gem
For over a decade, I dreamed of visiting the source of San Francisco’s pristine water supply. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir had been calling my name, but like many visitors, I always found myself drawn to Yosemite Valley’s iconic attractions instead. This August, we finally made Hetch Hetchy the star of our 2.5-day weekend adventure.
Why Visit Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hetch Hetchy isn’t just a water source – it’s a valley with a heartbreaking history that every nature lover should understand. Originally, this was Yosemite Valley’s twin, equally stunning and pristine. After the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the city desperately needed a reliable water source, and Hetch Hetchy Valley became the sacrifice.
The construction of O’Shaughnessy Dam flooded this magnificent valley, creating the reservoir we see today. The controversy was so intense that it reportedly broke John Muir’s heart – the legendary conservationist died just one year after the project’s approval. This tragic lesson led to stricter protections, ensuring no similar projects would ever again be approved in national parks.
Understanding this history transformed my perspective from pride about San Francisco’s water quality to a deeper appreciation for what was lost – and what we can still experience today.
Complete 2.5-Day Itinerary
Our weekend escape was structured as one full day plus two half-days of travel, maximizing our time while keeping costs reasonable through camping.
Day 1: Journey to Dimond O Campsite
Departure: 1:30 PM (post-lunch)
- Coffee & snack stop: Tracy (essential bathroom break!)
- Grocery run: Groveland (last chance for supplies)
- Arrival: Just after sunset at Dimond O campsite
The evening was all about setup – pitching our tent, cooking dinner over the campfire, and settling in for a peaceful night and stars.
Day 2: Reservoir Hiking & Water Adventures
Despite planning an early start to beat the heat, the morning was already scorching. We took our time with breakfast, accepting that summer hiking in this area requires patience and plenty of water.
Morning: Wapama Falls Trail hike around Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Afternoon: Recovery time at camp, then Carlon Falls Trail for refreshing water play
Dipping in the water @Carlon Falls
Evening: Campfire cooking, relaxation, and another incredible night of stargazing in the pitch-dark sky
Day 3: Departure & Coffee Stops
Early morning: Sunrise wake-up, breakfast, camp breakdown
Mid-morning: Water bottle refill and departure
Journey home: Coffee stop and leisurely lunch, arriving home by dinner
Essential Hiking Trails Review
Wapama Falls Trail: The Signature Hetch Hetchy Experience
- Distance: 6 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Reservoir views and waterfall destination
This trail hugs the northwest bank of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, offering spectacular valley overlooks throughout the journey. In August, the waterfall flow was minimal due to California’s dry season, but Wapama Falls remained a beautiful highlight, and the dramatic granite formations plus reservoir vistas more than compensated.
Hetch Hetchy Valley
Pro tip: We encountered several groups hiking to the backcountry campsite – a 6-mile one-way moderate hike that would make for an incredible overnight adventure if you can handle the summer heat.
Recommendation: Absolutely worth it, but avoid July and August unless you’re prepared for extreme heat and limited shade.
Carlon Falls Trail: Perfect Summer Cool-Down
- Distance: 3 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 174 feet to the falls
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (challenging only at the end)
- Best for: Families and hot-weather water activities
This popular trail leads to beautiful cascades (more cascades than a traditional single waterfall) perfect for cooling off on scorching summer days. Unlike typical waterfalls, Carlon Falls creates shallow, slow-moving pools ideal for laying down and soaking without swimming concerns.
Timing tip: We arrived at 4:30 PM and found most families with young children were heading out, leaving us with a more peaceful experience.
Dimond O Campsite Review: Site 27
Finding Hetch Hetchy camping reservations requires strategy. As the closest car camping option to the reservoir, Dimond O fills up quickly when reservations open. I used the Recreation.gov app alert feature to snag our spot when someone else cancelled – a technique I highly recommend for popular destinations.
Site 27 proved exceptional for two people with one car:
- Space: Generous and well-defined
- Ground: Level and easy for tent setup
- Privacy: Well-shaded and naturally screened
- Cleanliness: Immaculately maintained
- Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful
Dimond O site 27 from car parking slot
This site couldn’t have been more perfect for our needs. The natural shade made hot afternoons bearable, and the privacy allowed us to truly unwind.
Budget Breakdown & Planning Tips
Here’s exactly what our 2-person, 2-night trip cost:
- Dimond O camping (2 nights): $84
- Food for 2 people: $120 (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 packed lunches, plus snacks and fruit)
- Firewood & fire starter: $25 (2 bundles)
- Gas (round trip): ~$100
- Total trip cost: ~$329 for two people
Best Time to Visit & What to Pack
Ideal seasons: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer the best balance of weather and water flow.
Summer considerations: July and August bring extreme heat but also reliable weather and the best water play opportunities.
Essential packing list:
- More water than you think you need (especially for Wapama Falls)
- Swimwear for Carlon Falls
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, lightweight long sleeves
- Bug spray for evening hours
Final Thoughts: Why Hetch Hetchy Deserves Your Weekend
This trip reminded me that some of the most rewarding adventures happen when we venture beyond the obvious destinations. While Yosemite Valley draws millions, Hetch Hetchy offers a more contemplative experience where you can actually hear your thoughts and appreciate both natural beauty and complex history.
The combination of accessible camping, moderate hiking, refreshing water play, and profound historical significance makes Hetch Hetchy an ideal weekend escape for anyone seeking to connect with California’s natural heritage while enjoying practical outdoor adventures.
Planning your own Hetch Hetchy weekend? Start monitoring campsite availability early, pack extra water, and prepare to discover one of Yosemite’s most underappreciated treasures.
Want to see more reviews like this? Join my newsletter!
