Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground — Hotel in Sonora

The Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's campground is reserved for people who are going on a wilderness trip. Only groups and individuals having a permit for a wilderness trip are allowed to stay here and only for 1 night prior to starting the trip and/or 1 night after completing the trip.There are approximately 19 campsites including 2 group sites. Reservations are not available. I spoke to the rangers and I was told that the campground normally does not fill up.||||I stayed here in July, 2016 with a group of 15 boys and dads from our Boy Scout troop. We arrived mid-afternoon and had no trouble getting a spot. In fact, the campground was mostly empty even at the end of the day. The campground is adjacent to the wilderness parking and close to the trailheads.||||Each campsite has one or more picnic tables and a large metal container to protect food from wildlife. There are no BBQ's or grills. There are bathrooms nearby with an area to wash dishes. The water in the bathrooms is not very good and the closest drinkable water is a long walk - near the dam.||||The campground and campsites are spartan and there's not a whole lot to do nearby. Also, since Hetch Hetchy is relatively low elevation (3700 feet), it can be very hot - it was over 100 when we stayed there.||||Despite these drawbacks, this campground is extremely convenient and a great resource. Most backpacking groups should be able to find a space to stay here which will allow them to get an early start on a wilderness trip. Also, it can be used if you arrive late in the day at the end...

Hike is crazy! Not for the faint of heart. So many switchbacks. Water at the 5? Mile mark. Make sure to get more water. You’ll have to climb up by the bridge and then down to the water source.

Don’t go if you’re a beginner when the weather is 85 degrees, because the temp will be more liken 95 due to all the granite at the bottom and on the side of the mountain making it an over. Take a hat, take a sweat cloth to wet and cover the side of you face. Sun is brutal. There’s a creek with pools that are amazing by...

The place is gorgeous, amazing... great for hiking great for photography, but don't drive here thinking you can camp. The campsite requires you to hike in or out at least 4 miles before you can camp - even there are plenty of open camping and parking spots. I paid $50 for wilderness permit, $20 for best canister $20 for the campsite and $10+ for overnight parking only to be lectured and threatened by a ranger the next day for not "backpacking". Your tax...