Camp Mather brings together water activities, trails and several historical connections. When planning, it is worth distinguishing activities at the camp from outings around Mather: swimming and fishing each have their own requirements, while trail conditions are important for hiking and cycling routes.

Camp Mather and Its History

The Jack Spring Dining Hall was built in 1920 as the Hetch Hetchy Lodge and now serves as the kitchen and dining hall for Camp Mather. Operations may vary by season. Camp Mather was named in honor of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service.

Birch Lake also has a historical connection to the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam. During construction, the lake was excavated to obtain gravel and then flooded after springs were encountered. Three historical connections can be found here: a building with a former name, a camp named in honor of a person, and a lake whose creation is linked to the dam’s construction.

Swimming, Hiking and Cycling

Swimming is available in Birch Lake and the Camp Mather pool when trained lifeguards are on duty; this service is seasonal. Fishing is also possible in the Tuolumne River around Camp Mather, and a California fishing license is required. The two water activities have different requirements: swimming depends on lifeguard coverage, while fishing requires a license.

Around Mather, the Wapama Falls Trail follows the reservoir shoreline for five miles round trip. The five miles refer to the total distance, including the return trip. Sunrise Peak is considered a popular viewpoint, with views of Hetch Hetchy Valley, O’Shaughnessy Dam and the deep Tuolumne River canyon. The emphasis differs when choosing between the trail and the viewpoint: one option follows the reservoir shore, while the other looks out over the valley, dam and canyon.

Cycling lets you explore old logging roads in Camp Mather and reach Inspiration Point. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out, and also check access information for the Wapama Falls Trail.

Getting Around and Seasonal Supplies

Camp Mather is at the intersection of Evergreen Road and Mather Road. When the camp is operating, the General Store and Soda Fountain stocks medications, toiletries, camping supplies, snacks and drinks. The store is therefore tied to camp operations; if you plan to rely on these supplies, take this condition into account in advance. The Dining Hall now serves as the kitchen and dining hall for Camp Mather, though operations may vary by season.

The offerings also differ in what you should consider when planning: for the store, camp operations; for swimming, lifeguard coverage; and for outings, current trail conditions. This lets you plan each activity according to its own requirements instead of applying a single seasonal rule to everything.

Discover more destinations: Twain Harte, Mi-Wuk Village, Columbia, Sonora, Jamestown, Tuolumne, Groveland

Return to the main travel overview: Tuolumne.