What to expect when camping in Wawona Campground in Yosemite National Park, California. Campsite photos, rules and regulations, Campground map and more

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.

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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: Make sure to check with the park for the most up-to-date camping fees

Reservations: Yes, reservations can be made online at recreation.gov

Payments accepted: Online reservations can be paid with a credit card.

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)

Latitude/Longitude:

Latitude:
37.5730556
37° 34' 23.0002" N

Longitude:
-119.665
119° 39' 54.0000" W

Elevation: 4,000 feet

Accessible Sites: Campsites 67, 69, 70, and 89

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? Yes, reservations can be made online at 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).

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 these camping essentials

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

Wawona Group Camp

Group tent site accommodates 13-30 people

NO RVs or trailers allowed.

Reservations: Required and available online all year.

Wawona Horse Sites

You must have a horse with you to camp in horse sites, no exceptions!

Reservations: Reservations are required

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.

Check-out 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 Loops.

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.

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.

⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed for Renovations

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.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village offers authentic Yosemite lodging with options from classic tent cabins to wood cabins and hotel rooms. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly tent cabin experience or more traditional accommodations, Curry Village delivers that classic national park stay with all the amenities you need after a day on the trails.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

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. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Click here for Rates and Availability.

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

Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.

Yosemite National Park Tours

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Yosemite Mist Trail and Nevada Fall Loop Private Day Hike
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6-8 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Discover one of Yosemite National Park's most beloved hikes as you follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, a 4-hour guided hike from Yosemite Valley. Take in sweeping views of the valley while climbing alongside your guide, and learn about the park's ecology, natural history, and landscape. Catch a glimpse of Vernal Fall as you cross the Merced River, walk through billowing mist on a trail that parallels the waterfall's drop from a high, granite cliff, then enjoy clear air and scenic views from the top.

Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability

Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
snacks/lunch

Check out more great tours of Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

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)

$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$20.00 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.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

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 free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations

Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.