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Yosemite/Wawona
Overview
Overview
Wawona Campground is a rustic, scenic destination situated within the southern portion of Yosemite National Park. Unlike commercial RV resorts with luxury perks, this park offers a traditional National Park camping experience that keeps you closely connected to the surrounding wilderness. Nestled along the banks of the South Fork of the Merced River, the environment is quiet, serene, and perfect for those who prioritize nature over resort-style amenities during their California adventure.
Location & Surroundings
Located near the South Entrance of Yosemite, Wawona offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Yosemite Valley. The campground is set in a towering conifer forest at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, providing a comfortable climate throughout the peak season. Its placement allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains while staying within easy driving distance of the park's most iconic geological wonders and massive grove landscapes.
Amenities & Park Features
As a national park facility, Wawona focuses on essentials rather than high-end conveniences. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for every site. While there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available, the site accommodates RVs up to 35 feet. Potable water spigots are accessible throughout the camping loops, and a dump station is available seasonally for convenience, ensuring you can manage your rig's basic needs while exploring the park.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The park is famous for being home to the Mariposa Grove, where visitors can walk among giant sequoias that are thousands of years old. Guests can also visit the historic Wawona Hotel or explore the pioneer history at the nearby Pioneer Yosemite History Center. During warmer months, the river access provides cooling relief, and the surrounding trails offer excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities for those looking to immerse themselves in the local ecosystem.
Who This Park Is Best For
Wawona is ideal for travelers who value proximity to nature and want to avoid the congestion found in more developed areas. It is particularly well-suited for boondocking enthusiasts and families who prefer a rugged, back-to-basics lifestyle. If you are planning an extended stay to hike the sequoia groves or simply seek a peaceful retreat under the pines, this campground serves as a perfect home base for your wilderness exploration.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Diya Nalla
Staying at the Wawona Hotel felt like stepping back in time. The historic charm stood out right away — the white Victorian-style building, wraparound porches, and quiet setting made it different from the busier parts of Yosemite. It had a peaceful, old-fashioned atmosphere that made the trip feel more relaxing. Even though it wasn’t my first time in Yosemite, staying here gave me a new experience of the park. The location was convenient for exploring, and it felt special to share the stay with Dad and Mom. After visiting Yosemite Falls, coming back to the calm surroundings of the hotel was the perfect way to end the day.
Pamela Tuck
Closed for remodel but if you go to Yosemite it’s a nice place to go and walk the grounds to see this historical beauty. There is a 9 hole golf course and a 4 mile trail loop surrounded by giant sequoias. You can also visit their general store which also has a great gift shop
Jo Yatzky
The natural surroundings are stunning, and the hotel building is a beautiful historic landmark. The rooms and bathrooms are literally from the 1900s, but everything works perfectly. Just keep in mind the restaurant closes very early and there are no nearby options—they could really extend the hours. Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby, and parking fills up quickly in the well-lit areas, so it’s best to arrive early. The staff was friendly, but none of them spoke Spanish
Fergus Dignan
This lovely Victorian hotel maintains all the character of a late 19th century timber construction, it is in a lovely location, surrounded by the woodlands in Yosemite national park. The Rooms are comfortable and well appointed however some have a shared bathroom. The lounge and bar area is open and homely and the piano player plays and sings to a wide variety of music. Very entertaining.
Savannah Pontiff
We loved our time here at Wawona. It's full of old character/architecture. We booked a room with a private bath and stayed here 2 nights. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily along with an open bar. Wifi is limited but can make calls and send text on wifi calling. Make sure to walk around the ground they are beautiful. You do have to pay the National Park Entry prior to arriving at the hotel as well.