Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

We hiked up Smith Meadows trail about three miles and found a perfect spot for the night. Perfect solitude and wilderness. All uphill to get there but the views don’t disappoint. Just grab a permit on your way in and there is overnight parking and bear boxes.

I have only used this site as a "night" before entering the back country on a back packing trip.  That being said it is not a bad place to stage day hikes as well.  I am a tent camper and this works. It is a "walk in" site but the walk is really not far - you are parked close by.

Crossing the dam, going through the tunnell and entering the back country is easy and there are incredible water falls there and you will miss the crowds.  The lake is beautiful in it's own right.

The small camp ground has all that you need but it is not fancy.

We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.