Wawona Campground

Located near the south/Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park, Wawona Campground is the preferred base for visitors looking to tackle hikes to spots such as Chilnualna Falls or to see some of the earth's largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. Formerly the headquarters for Yosemite National Park, several of the administrative structures still stand in the area. In terms of layout, every effort seems to have been made to distribute Wawona's campsite loops, A, B, and C, along the banks of the South Fork of the Merced River, giving this large facility a natural and intimate feeling. This distribution of campsite loops also adds to a sense of space and quiet that isn't present in the more popular Yosemite Valley campgrounds. Ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and manzanita join the river's fragrance on warm summer days, make this campground an easy spot to spend a lazy morning as you prepare for or recover from an otherwise adventurous itinerary. Keep in mind that, while this campground certainly isn't in the heart of the Yosemite Valley or on the way to Glacier Point, these destinations are only a 45-minute drive away.

Reservations are required for sites in all loops from April through September; sites in the A Loop are first-come, first-served from October through March. There are no hookups available, but the sites can generally accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, and there is a dump station nearby that is operable in the summer. All sites include a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker. Two sites are ADA accessible, and both are located in the C Loop. Restrooms and potable water stations are evenly distributed around the separate loops as well. The group site is located off of the A loop and accommodates up to 30 people, is only available for tent camping, and must be reserved either online or by phone. The horse camp also must be reserved, but reservations must be made by phone: 877.444.6777.

The A Loop at Wawona is open year round along with the group site. Loops B and C and the horse sites are open from approximately April through September.