Dimond O campground sits in Groveland as one of the closest bases to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance and Hetch Hetchy area. If you’re planning a camping trip that includes your dog, this is a solid choice for accessing both the park and the surrounding Gold Country landscape.

The Middle Fork Tuolumne River runs through the property, which means there’s water access for wading and fly fishing right there at camp. Summer days tend to be warm enough that your dog will appreciate the chance to cool off in the river between hikes or just while you’re hanging around. The setting feels genuinely remote without requiring hours of driving—you’re close enough to Yosemite to make day trips realistic, but far enough away to escape some of the park’s crowds.

Since dogs are welcome here, you can tackle nearby trails without the stress of finding pet care back in town. The area around Groveland has solid hiking options, and being this close to Hetch Hetchy means you have access to some less-visited Yosemite terrain if you want to spend a day inside the park. The campground itself offers that typical Sierra Nevada backdrop of tall pines and granite, which feels appropriately remote without being so isolated that basic supplies are hours away.

If you’re planning a longer stay, the location works well as a home base. You can do day explorations of Hetch Hetchy or Big Oak Flat, return to camp for an evening by the river, and let your dog decompress. The trade-off is that summer weekends will draw crowds, and you’ll want to book well in advance. Winter access depends on road conditions—this area gets snow, so check before heading out in colder months. Visit their website to check current availability and any seasonal closures before loading up the truck.