The Wawona Campground is located near the Big Trees Lodge in the southern portion of Yosemite National Park.
There are a couple of loops of sites that run along the South Fork Merced River and are absolutely gorgeous. This campground is not in Yosemite Valley but close enough you can get there fairly quickly.
We saw deer and turkey wandering in the campground as we explored.
This campground is closest to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias along with easy access to the road up to Glacier Point.
Wawona Campground - Yosemite National Park
Season: April - October
Number of Sites: 93
Group sites: 1 (no trailers allowed)
Horse sites: 2 with space for trailers up to 25 feet
Location in the park: 27 miles south of Yosemite Valley
Approximately a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley
Campsite Cost: $26/night
Payments accepted: Online reservations can be paid with a credit card.
Reservations:
Loops A, B, and C: Required and available online up to five months in advance from approximately April through September.
October through March, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the A loop (about 20 sites). $26/night ($18/night from approximately October through April)
Campground Address:
Latitude/Longitude:
- Latitude:
- 37.5730556
- 37° 34' 23.0002" N
- Longitude:
- -119.665
- 119° 39' 54.0000" W
Elevation: 4,000 feet
Accessible Sites: Loop C sites 69 and 70
Pets Allowed: Pets are allowed but they must be on a leash less than 6 feet long.
Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or on specific trails.
Check out all of the Yosemite Camping options! There are 13 campgrounds within Yosemite National Park!
Campground Reservations
Are campground Reservations Available? Yes
Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777
Online? Recreation.Gov
How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT) or 10:00 a.m (ET).
First Come, First Served? No!
First-night rent plus a one-time transaction fee of $4.50 will be charged at the time of reservation and is non-refundable.
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$45.00-$125.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Campground Amenities
Flush Toilets: Yes
Payphone: No
Is wifi Available? No
Is cellular Phone Service Available?
Is camp host available on site? Yes
Is firewood available for purchase? Yes at the store near the Yosemite Pioneer Area
Amenities at each campsite:
Fire pit in the site? Yes, there is a fire ring in each site.
From May through September, campfires in Yosemite Valley are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm.
Do not burn trash or aluminum cans in the fire ring.
Make sure you buy your wood where you plan to burn it and do not transport wood from another area.
Picnic Table in the site? Yes
Food Storage -Bear Box in site/area?
Yes - Campsites 1-4, 51-56, 58-65, 67-98 have lockers measuring 35"(D)x43"(W)x28"(H).
All other campsites have food locker measuring 33"(D)x45"(W)x18"(H).
All food must be stored properly 24 hours a day.
No food can be left in vehicles.
All food, ice chests, grocery bags, and anything with a scent (including toothpaste, deodorant, soap, sunscreen, hairspray, perfume, etc.) must be kept in metal food storage lockers.
The only time these items can be out is when you are preparing or eating meals or getting ready for the day.
Hard-sided RVs may store food inside as long as it is not visible or cannot be smelled from outside. All doors and windows must be closed when unattended.
You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears.
Potable Water? Yes
Don't forget to pack
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
RV Camping at Wawona Campground
RV Length:
RVs and trailers up to 35 feet
Be sure to read the site details when making a reservation on recreation.gov to ensure your equipment will fit into the site you're reserving.
Dump Station: Yes, summer only (on Forest Drive east of the Pioneer Gift & Grocery, formerly Wawona Store)
Potable water at dump station is only available during summer months.
Generators: Yes during the following time periods - 7 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm.
Hookups: No, There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups at this facility
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Wawona Group Camp
Group tent site accommodates 13-30 people
NO RVs or trailers allowed.
Reservations: Required and available online all year.
Cost: $50/night
Wawona Horse Sites
You must have a horse with you to camp in horse sites, no exceptions!
Reservations: Reservations are required
Cost: $30.00
Available only by calling 877/444-6777 from approximately April through September.
How to get to Wawona Campground
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno, Highway 140 east from Merced, or Highway 120 east from Manteca into Yosemite National Park. Follow signs to Wawona. The campground is located 8 miles inside of the park on Highway 41, and 27 miles south of Yosemite Valley.
Wawona Campground Regulations
The maximum number of people in a campsite: A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite. There is no limit on the number of tents (as long as they all fit into the campsite).
The number of cars per campsite: Two motorized vehicles per campsite. A valid campground car pass must be displayed.
Checkout time: 12 noon
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
Maximum Stay: 7-day maximum stay limit from May 1 to Sept 15th.
There is a 30-day maximum per the calendar year limit within Yosemite National Park.
You must have a horse with you to camp in horse sites, no exceptions!
Group tent site accommodates 13-30 people; available year-round by reservation only. NO RVs or trailers allowed.
Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.
You are not able to switch sites during your stay.
Important Dates for the Wawona Campground
Loop A: All year
Loops B and C: Approximately April through September
Group site: All year
Horse sites: Approximately April through September
Wawona Campground Notes
The sites in A loop are closer to each other than the other loops
The dump stations are just down the road from the campground.
You will need to check in at the contact station when you enter the campground. Make sure you have your ID available.
Wawona Campground Map
Photos of Wawona Campground
Wawona Campground Loop A (Sites 8 - 30 and the Group Camp)
A loop is closer to the main road so you may have more road noise than you would in B and C Loop.
Wawona Campground Loop B (Sites 31 - 44) + the Amphitheater
This site is gorgeous! Located right next to the river this is a premium site if you can grab it!
Wawona Campground Loop C (Sites 45 - 99)
C Loop is where we would choose to camp. Many of the sites are located right next to the river. There is an easily accessible bathroom close by.
This site is right next to the river which would be amazing to hear at night!
Also right next to the river.
Right next to the river! Fantastic site!
This site has a large pull through and a ton of open area.
Site 89 is an ADA site. We are working on getting a photo of this site.
Check out all of the Yosemite Camping options! There are 13 campgrounds within Yosemite National Park!
Four of the campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley, five of them are along the Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows which are open seasonally, the rest are found along Highways 120 and 140.
Yosemite National Park Lodging
If you are wondering where to stay in Yosemite National Park there are multiple options available ranging from tent cabins to national park lodges.
Ahwahnee Hotel
The Ahwahnee Hotel is located in Yosemite Valley and is known throughout the world as one of the most luxurious National Park Lodges.
Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed
Built in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park than you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls which makes it a great base for a Yosemite vacation.
Curry Village Cabins
Part of the Curry Village complex that was previously known as Half Dome Village.
Curry Village Tent Cabins
The Curry Village Tent Cabins are a great option for staying in Yosemite Valley. Available for booking on Expedia
Housekeeping Camp
If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite Valley and not bring your own tent you will love Housekeeping Camp.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
Located off the Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge includes 69 canvas-tent cabins without electricity.
Where to stay near Yosemite
There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance.
A few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst include:
Chateau du Sureau
The Pines Resort at Bass Lake
Sierra Sky Ranch
Hounds Tooth Inn
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn - At Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn, you can look forward to a terrace, a playground, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Yosemite Gateway, features American cuisine. Free Wi-Fi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - At Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour business center. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - 4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy pizza and more at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like mountain biking and archery. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Rush Creek Lodge - 3.5-star family-friendly hotel near Yosemite. Take advantage of a poolside bar, a grocery/convenience store, and a terrace at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and ecotours at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. The onsite restaurant, Rush Creek Restaurant, features local cuisine. In addition to a coffee shop/café and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Yosemite Sierra Inn - Yosemite Sierra Inn provides a business center and more. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Queen's Inn By the River - Enjoy visiting the attached winery, a terrace, and a garden at Queen's Inn By the River. The onsite restaurant, Idle Hour Winery &Kitchen, features garden views and brunch. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as 2 bars.
For additional lodging options click on the map below for current rates and availability for lodging and vacation rentals near Yosemite NP.
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