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Wawona Horse Campsites within Yosemite National Park accommodates equestrians traveling with their own horses near Mariposa. These primitive campsites focus specifically on horse camping needs, with sites designed for riders exploring the park's trail network. Unlike standard campgrounds, Wawona allows pets and permits campfires, though campers should note no potable water, toilets, or trash facilities are available onsite. The campground requires reservations and remains accessible via the Wawona area roads approximately 45 minutes from the South Entrance. The sites position riders with direct access to Yosemite's backcountry trail system. Horse owners observed that dispersed camping at Goat Meadow provides an alternative when Wawona sites are full.
Located just 5 minutes from Yosemite's South Entrance, Goat Meadow dispersed camping area serves as an unofficial horse-friendly camping option. While not specifically designated as an equestrian campground, the site accommodates trailers in the paved parking area with sufficient space for horses in the surrounding woods. The large, level area provides ample room for multiple trailers and horses, with plenty of space between campsites for privacy. Several equestrians noted bringing horses here during peak season when designated horse campsites fill up. No formal facilities exist, so horse owners must bring water and manage waste appropriately. The proximity to Yosemite's South Entrance makes this location particularly valuable for early morning trail access, though the bumpy access road requires careful navigation with horse trailers.
"The location is great as it’s a 6 minute drive from the Mariposa South Entrance to Yosemite. Love being surrounded by pine trees!"
"Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots."
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
"Decent access to drinking water and each site has tables and fire rings, no RV hookups (another reason you have more "campers" and it's less noisy at night)."
"Your best bet is to visit the valley and camp outside the Park or in locations outside the valley. The granite cliffs and waterfalls are something to treasure."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!"
"You are aboute 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business , very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you. There are few fool hock ups and they provide also fire wood."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
from $41 - $43 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
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GuideGreat location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious. Because it's an equestrian campground, you will smell the horses and stables....be prepared. The river is close to the campgrounds and are refreshing on a hot day.
TravelerTons of sites, some more secluded than others, with rings for fires. The location is great as it’s a 6 minute drive from the Mariposa South Entrance to Yosemite. Love being surrounded by pine trees! If you plan accordingly you can snag a secluded spot which makes the experience even better!
GuideExcellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots. Thankful they had porti-pottys (due to an event, not normal) and bear-proof trash receptacles as bears did visit while camping here! No water access, however you can fill up bottles from the drinking fountains at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center right past the park entrance. ENJOY!
GuideWe came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
TravelerIf you wanna get away and camp next to a river and down a trail and shoot your gun or go fishing you can freedom you can horseback ride if you have horses he can fish there are fish there trout it's beautiful peaceful.
TravelerThis campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested. There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail. Shuttle stops at all valley attractions and you can easily get to the Pizza Deck in Half Dome Village, the deli in Yosemite Village, and many different hiking trails. Some spots are right along the Merced River. No showers here, but hot showers are close by at Half Dome Village. We will be back!
RangerMany spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
LegendIt is hard to get a Camping spot in Yosemite but well worth it if you do. I got up early many a morning to try and get a day here or there for our summer trips out west. You can always try the daily lottery in the village office which we did one day. So Any campground in the valley is good and in close proximity to everything going on. This campground is located on the Merced river and is primitive. The horse stables are in this loop as well.There is a water station by entrance to fill up. No electric, sewer or shower. There are bathrooms with an outlet (Yea- can charge your Phone but get in line) You can bathe in river like I do or go to curry village and pay for a shower at housekeeping. You get a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly.
GuideWe were lucky to get 5 days in a row during 4th of July weekend in 2021 at one of the best sites within North Pines campground. We set up camp at site #515, we had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! Within walking distance is the edge of the Merced river, from there you have views of Yosemite Falls. One of my favorite activities was take a short walk with a floating tube from the campsite to the entrance of the campground and hop into the river float back down and get off near our campsite! Our site also offered a good amount of shade and was a short walk from the restrooms. We were surround amongst the giant granite cliffs. One of the best camping trips with great company. 10/10 would recommend.
Equestrian camping near Mariposa, California provides direct access to Sierra Nevada wilderness trails. The area's forested terrain at elevations between 4,000-5,200 feet creates distinct camping conditions throughout the year. Winter conditions can limit accessibility to some dispersed camping areas from December through early March, requiring proper preparation for weather changes.
Swimming at Rainbow Pools: 5 minutes from Sweetwater Campground along Highway 120. This natural swimming hole offers a refreshing break during summer months when temperatures frequently reach the high 90s. "We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites," noted Haley M. at Sweetwater Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening hours provide the best chances to spot native wildlife. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area - coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" warns Alexander Mark C. at Goat Meadow Dispersed Camp Site.
Hiking Sentinel Dome: 2.5 miles round trip from the parking area near Bridalveil Creek Campground. "It's only 2.5 miles round trip to Sentinel Dome and the view is stunning, you're higher than Half Dome on one side and El Capitan on the other," reports Buck R. from Bridalveil Creek.
Off-grid experience: Primitive horse camping options provide genuine backcountry experiences without modern amenities. "We drove up to the snowplay area, continue straight off of the paved road (don't make the left) and you'll find a plethora of places to park and set up shop," explains Alexander from Goat Meadow.
Proximity to backcountry trails: Horse-friendly sites position riders within minutes of wilderness access points. "Great spot near Yosemite south entrance. Very quiet and private," notes Clément D. about the dispersed camping options.
River access at many sites: Running water provides natural cooling and white noise for sleeping. "Fell asleep to the raging river nearby," shares Bernadette A. about her stay at Sweetwater. Similarly, at Big Sandy Campground, campers appreciate how "every site is next to the water."
Trail conditions for horses vary seasonally: Spring conditions can create muddy trails through May, while summer brings dusty conditions. "The elevation at the site is approximately 5200 feet, meaning it will get snow in the winter months. When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3 inches, whereas other spots were about 6-8 inches," reports Alexander about Goat Meadow.
Pack-in water requirements: No potable water exists at many primitive equestrian sites. "Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure your food/garbage," warns Bernadette A.
Road conditions can challenge horse trailers: "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy," notes Paige about Big Sandy Campground. Many access roads require careful navigation with trailers, particularly after wet weather.
Reservation systems vary significantly: Some require booking months in advance while others remain first-come, first-served. "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck," explains Rosina A.
Space considerations: Look for sites with adequate room for multiple tents and activities. "We rented sites #10 & #11 for the weekend... Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters," reports Haley M. from COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground.
Wildlife safety education: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife awareness before arrival. "Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen," warns Tom D. about Codorniz Recreation Area.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings from day to night, especially at higher elevations. "Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown," notes Tom D.
Trailer parking considerations: Look for level, stable ground for horse trailers. "Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there was loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between," shares Kevin T. about Goat Meadow.
Generator rules and quiet hours: Many equestrian campgrounds have specific regulations. "We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent-only area," notes Sarah F. from North Pines Campground.
Memorial Day weekend crowding: Holiday weekends create significant capacity challenges. "Stayed about a week which also crossed over Memorial Day weekend. Arrived the Tuesday before. This place gets CROWDED. At 5:30 it's like everyone got off work and headed home, it's nuts," warns Katelin M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mariposa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mariposa, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mariposa, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Mariposa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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