How much does camping cost at Wawona Campground?

Camping fees at Wawona Campground are $28 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wawona Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wawona Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wawona Campground before I book?

Yes! Wawona Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Wawona Campground?

Wawona Campground is open January 01 to October 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wawona Campground?

Wawona Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Wawona Campground have?

Wawona Campground has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wawona Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wawona Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Wawona Campground?

Wawona Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Wawona Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Wawona Campground?

Fire policies at Wawona Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

1.2K reviews

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Top 3% in CASpring

B-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Yosemite Camping Near Yosemite National Park

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$28 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

$28 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Wawona Campground

$28.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $75.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; Scan and Pay Winter Season: $28.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-375-9535

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Wawona Campground

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Nearby places

Fresno - approximately 1.5 hours

Merced - approximately 2 hours

Manteca - approximately 2.5 hours

Yosemite Valley - 45 minutes (27 miles).

Weather at Wawona Campground

Current alerts(7)

Bear Habitat! Food and toiletries must be stored in provided food lockers (35"Dx43"Wx28"H) 24 hours a day. Absolutely NO food or scented items stored in vehicles. Dispose of garbage immediately in bear-proof dumpsters.
For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit www.nps.gov/yose
Help Yosemite be a Zero Landfill park! Leave excess packaging at home. Use refillable water and propane bottles, food containers and travel mugs. Place all of your recyclable waste in designated recycling containers.
If arriving one or more days late , call (209) 375-9535; your reservation will be cancelled if we do not hear from you within 24 hours of your arrival date.

Best Time to Camp at Wawona Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather, peak waterfall flows, and abundant wildflowers — ideal for hiking, fishing, and scenic drives to the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F, with snowmelt swelling the South Fork Merced River and making waterfalls spectacular. Trails are mostly accessible by late April–May and crowds are noticeably lighter than peak summer, though holiday weekends (Memorial Day), Peak months: May, June, April

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Spring is called the best season: mild weather, peak waterfall flows and abundant wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to October 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Wawona Campground

Wawona Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Yosemite National Park, operated by the National Park Service near the South Fork Merced River and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. The large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a camp store, attracting visitors who hike to waterfalls, swim in the river, and explore the sequoia groves. Spring brings peak waterfall flows and wildflower blooms, with daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-70s and cool nights.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RVs, and group camping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather, peak waterfall flows, and abundant wildflowers — ideal for hiking, fishing, and scenic drives to the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F, with snowmelt swelling the South Fork Merced River and making waterfalls spectacular. Trails are mostly accessible by late April–May and crowds are noticeably lighter than peak summer, though holiday weekends (Memorial Day), Peak months: May, June, April

Elevation4000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines, incense-cedars, and white firs shade the campsites, with manzanita growing beneath them. The South Fork Merced River flows through the campground over granite boulders, creating swimming holes popular with families. The setting is less dramatic than Yosemite Valley but still scenic. Deer visit the riverbanks in the evening. Spring snowmelt swells the river and makes nearby waterfalls worth the drive.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging facilities are available at the campground. However, the Wawona Hotel is nearby for those seeking accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesAn amphitheater located in Loop B hosts ranger-led programs, including evening talks on local history and wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 7 nights during peak season (May 1 to Sept 15).

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests per site.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties and are located away from individual camping areas. Details on specific capacities were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov online, via phone, or in-person at the park.

AccessibilityFlush toilets and paved areas provide some level of accessibility, but no specific details on ADA-compliant facilities were noted.

Site SizeMixed sizes; some sites are noted as spacious with room for multiple tents or RVs, while others are smaller and less level.

PrivacyVaried; some sites, particularly near the river, offer more privacy, while others are close together and lack seclusion.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites in Loop B and C are preferable for river proximity and quieter ambiance. Avoid Loop A for less privacy and proximity to the road.

Best CampsitesLoop C sites near the river. Like sites 31, 37, and 64. Get mentioned most often in reviews. They offer better privacy and water access than sites farther from the river.

Need help booking Wawona Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Wawona Campground, nestled in the scenic Yosemite National Park, offers a range of basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The campground is equipped with paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, potable drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Each site also features a food storage locker to protect against wildlife. A general store and gas station are located approximately a mile south of the campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Wawona Campground

Wawona Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination in Yosemite National Park. Activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with the scenic Merced River flowing alongside the campground and providing tranquil spots for sunbathing and relaxation.

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous trails accessible from camp (Wawona Meadow Loop, Chilnualna Falls, Swinging Bridge, Alder Creek).

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

South Fork Merced River flows through campground creating swimming holes popular with families.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter is quieter with some snow/rain reported but amenities are limited for winter sports.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Good photo subjects: river, granite boulders, sequoias and nearby waterfalls.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredLarge bear-proof lockers are available at all campsites, measuring 35"Dx43"Wx28"H.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available throughout the campground to safely dispose of waste. Recycling facilities were not specifically mentioned.

Cell CoverageReviews vary regarding cell phone service. While some campers reported no service in the campground, others mentioned coverage for Verizon. No consistent service across all providers was documented.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Wawona Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

1.2K reviews

Satisfactory

Wawona Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Wawona Campground generally receives positive reviews for its serene setting, river access, and proximity to Yosemite's attractions. Some campers noted noise from nearby roads and the lack of showers as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 1172 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1172 reviews.

Loop CLoved
Reviews frequently mention Loop C for its proximity to the river and relative privacy.
Site 31Mentioned
Site 31 in Loop B is noted for its location near the amphitheater and facilities.
Loop AIssues noted
Some Loop A sites closer to the road receive criticism for noise.

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and scenic location near the Merced River. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the variety of nearby activities, including...

Based on 1172 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of showers, uneven or sloped campsites, and proximity to the road causing noise at some sites. Some sites were also criticized for being too close together,...

Based on 1172 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It's recommended to book reservations well in advance due to high demand. Campers suggest bringing a pop-up canopy for shade and water shoes for river activities. Arriving early to secure parking in...

Based on 1172 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busy, with reservations filling up quickly. Winter offers a quieter experience but limited amenities. The spring season is noted for its lush scenery and flowing waterfalls.

Based on 1172 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sound of the river at night was so peaceful." - Joanna M. "Loop B is serene and secluded with great access to the river." - Ann Y. "Bring bug spray; mosquitoes can be annoying during summer...

Based on 1172 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited information is available, but some reviews mention paved areas and clean restrooms as beneficial for accessibility.

Based on 1172 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, with ample space for walking dogs. However, pets must be leashed at all times.

Based on 1172 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Wawona Campground

$28.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $75.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; Scan and Pay Winter Season: $28.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-375-9535

Go if

you want river access, a calmer alternative to the Valley floor, and don't mind skipping showers.

Skip if

you need on-site showers or you'd end up in a Loop A site close to the road.

Nearby alternatives

Three hand-reasoned picks from nearby campgrounds — one per reason you might prefer it over this spot.

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4.1

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Sweetwater sits in Stanislaus National Forest near Groveland, operated by American Land and Leisure at low elevation along Highway 120. The campground serves as a convenient staging point for Yosemite visitors and South Fork Tuolumne River access, with spacious sites offering fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. Spring brings wildflowers and increased river flows from snowmelt, while reviewers consistently praise the exceptionally clean vault toilets and helpful hosts.

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White Wolf Campground

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Wakalu Hep Yo (Wild River) Campground

: null

Wakalu Hep Yo Campground sits along the river in Stanislaus National Forest near Dorrington, operated by the US Forest Service at mid-elevation. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and primitive sites with river access for swimming and fishing. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and natural riverside setting but note maintenance issues with restrooms and occasional litter.

GROVELAND RANGER STN HWY 120, GROVELAND, CA, 95321

Pines Stanislaus sits in the Stanislaus National Forest foothills near Groveland, a convenient base for exploring Yosemite and the surrounding backcountry. Operated by American Land and Leisure, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike nearby trails, fish and swim in local waterways, and enjoy a quieter alternative to busier parks during the fall shoulder season.

Hodgdon Meadow Campground

PO BOX 577, Yosemite National Park, CA, 95389, USA

Hodgdon Meadow Campground sits at mid-elevation forest along the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to Yosemite National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground serves as a base for exploring both Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, with tent, RV, and group sites set among ponderosa pines and incense cedars. Visitors come for fall color, wildlife viewing, and access to trailheads without the congestion of valley-floor campgrounds.

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Yosemite Creek Campground

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Yosemite Creek Campground sits at 7,700 feet in Yosemite National Park, accessible only during mid-summer when the high-elevation road opens. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive campground offers tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a quiet alpine setting away from the valley crowds. Campers hike granite trails, wade in the creek, and watch wildlife between warm days and cold nights.

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Campgrounds

Yosemite National Park

Wawona Campground

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 51% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 877 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B+.Scenery
Grade B+.Booking
Grade B.Crowds & noise

Watch-outs

Grade D.Belonging
Grade C.Things to do
Grade C.Campsites

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how California grades overall

About Yosemite National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Wawona Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Directions

You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.

Featured in these camping guides

Wawona Campground appears in our curated guides. Explore more top-rated campgrounds for the same activities and regions.

Wawona Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Wawona Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Wawona Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Wawona Campground

Planning Tips

About Wawona Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Wawona Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Wawona Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Camp 4

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Summerdale Campground

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Wawona Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Wawona Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Wawona Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Wawona Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Nearby alternatives

Camp 4

Bridalveil Creek Campground

Summerdale Campground