The Merced River flows alongside this campground's three loops, creating a natural soundtrack that carries through the forested sites. Wawona Campground sits within Yosemite National Park but maintains a quieter atmosphere than the valley floor locations, with larger sites and more space between neighbors. Denise G. notes that "the campsites (particularly those in loop C) are pretty large, with adequate space between them so that you don't feel crowded."
Loop C receives particular praise from campers for its river views and positioning away from road noise. Many sites accommodate multiple tents and provide parking for two vehicles, with additional overflow spots available. Each site includes a bear box large enough for two full-size coolers, though campers should plan food storage carefully for larger groups. The campground maintains flush toilets and drinking water but no shower facilities.
River access draws many visitors, especially during warmer months when families use the water for cooling off and recreation. The South Fork Merced runs close enough to some sites that the water sound provides natural white noise at night. Fishing opportunities exist along the river, though drought conditions can affect water levels and accessibility.
The drive to Yosemite Valley takes about 40 minutes along winding Highway 41, while the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias sits much closer. Cell service remains limited throughout the campground, though the nearby Wawona library offers free Wi-Fi for those needing connectivity. A general store and gas station operate about a mile away for basic supplies and ice.
Reservations prove easier to secure here compared to valley campgrounds, which fill immediately when bookings open. For additional overnight options in the area, campers can explore campgrounds around Yosemite National Park.
Description
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
Wawona Campground offers family, group, and horse campsites; reservations required. Paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground.
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 nights 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 nights 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park is located in California
Directions
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.
Address
PO BOX 577
Yosemite national park, CA 95389
Coordinates
37.5730556 N
119.665 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 47 min from Merced, CA
- 2 hrs from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 20 min from Modesto, CA
