If you are attempting Half Dome you could exhaust yourself and hike up from base, or you could extend the trip and hike here first, stay a night, wake up early, and be the first on the Dome to watch the sunrise - that's what we did! 

Great backcountry camping with nice, clean spots to setting in among the trees and a group spot for a firepit. There's a river nearby so bring a filter and go upstream. It's not easy to organize the proper permits, but it's worth it!