
Wawona Campground
99
Total Campsites
Campground
98
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
4
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Wawona Campground
Overview Wawona Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated at the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley, at an elevation of 4000 feet. Wawona was home to the park's headquarters in 1904 and historic structures still stand today. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away. Within Yosemite, visitors gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area and much more. When on reservation, Wawona campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from the campground open date to June 14. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov. Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates Recreation Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads, and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. A visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, just four miles away, is a must-do. A network of hiking trails within the grove leads to stately trees with names like Grizzly Giant, Faithful Couple, and California Tunnel Tree. Wawona offers several additional hiking trails, including the Wawona Meadow Loop, Swinging Bridge Loop, Alder Creek and Chilnualna Falls. Facilities Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads, and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. A visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, just four miles away, is a must-do. A network of hiking trails within the grove leads to stately trees with names like Grizzly Giant, Faithful Couple, and California Tunnel Tree. Wawona offers several additional hiking trails, including the Wawona Meadow Loop, Swinging Bridge Loop, Alder Creek and Chilnualna Falls. Natural Features The area is forested with a diverse mix of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. The gentle South Fork of the Merced River flows alongside the campground. Nearby Attractions Just 45 minutes away is Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Hiking trails and bike paths are abundant in the valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities, and an art center with workshops. A scenic 45-minute drive leads to Glacier Point, with its sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. The Tioga Road, in the central region of the park, offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads. Charges & Cancellations Cancellation of individual or equestrian site reservations will be charged a $10 service fee. If the cancellation is within 48 hours of the arrival date, the first night's fee will also be charged. Cancellations for a single night’s use within 48 hours will not receive a refund, but will not be assessed an additional service fee. Cancellation of a group site reservation will incur a $10.00 service fee plus the first night’s use fee when the reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. No-shows for any type of reservation will be charged a $20 service fee and the first night's fee.
- 99 total campsites listed.
- 98 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 4 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: rv nonelectric (36).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Wawona Campground special
Wawona Campground sits along the South Fork of the Merced River at the quieter southern end of Yosemite National Park, offering a refreshing alternative to the bustling Valley floor. At roughly 4,000 feet in elevation, the campground is shaded by a handsome mix of ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and oak, and the river murmurs steadily nearby — a constant, calming soundtrack for your stay. With roughly 93 sites spread across several loops, Wawona feels spacious and relaxed. The historic Wawona Hotel, a charming Victorian-era lodge, is just down the road, along with a general store, golf course, and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the largest living organisms on Earth, lies a short drive to the south and is reason enough to base yourself here. Reservations are required from April through September and should be made as early as possible — Yosemite campgrounds are among the most competitive in the national park system. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer milder crowds, pleasant temperatures, and the chance to watch the surrounding meadows shift through wildflower blooms and golden grasses. Winter camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis when conditions allow. Wawona rewards campers who prefer a slower pace and a more pastoral Yosemite experience, with easy day-trip access to the Valley and its iconic landmarks.
Campsite Inventory
99 sites to choose from
RV NONELECTRIC
36
Reservable
3
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
31
Reservable
1
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
20
Reservable
0
Accessible
WALK TO
10
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC
1
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
No
Driveway entry
Back-in, N/A, Parallel, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, N/A, Severe, Slight
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Hike In Distance to Site
20, 25, 35, 40
Max guests
30, 6
Max vehicle length (ft)
15, 17, 20, 21
Minimum guests
13
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
N/A, Riverfront
Shade
No, Yes
Site Access
Hike-In, N/A
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
209-375-9535
Getting There
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 north of the South Entrance station on Highway 41, and 27 miles south of Yosemite Valley.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Wawona Campground.
How do reservations work for Wawona Campground?
Reservation availability for Wawona Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Wawona Campground?
Wawona Campground currently lists RV NONELECTRIC (36), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (31), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (20), WALK TO (10).
Where is Wawona Campground located?
Wawona Campground is in California near Yosemite National Park . Coordinates: 37.5731, -119.6650.
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