Best Campgrounds near Wawona, CA

Camping near Wawona, California centers around the South Fork of the Merced River within Yosemite National Park, providing a quieter alternative to the crowded Valley campgrounds. Wawona Campground serves as the primary established camping area, with spacious sites nestled among pine and oak trees. Nearby, Goat Meadow offers free dispersed camping just outside the park boundary in Sierra National Forest. Summerdale Campground provides another option along Highway 41 near Fish Camp. The area sits approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley, allowing campers to access iconic attractions like Half Dome and El Capitan while returning to a more peaceful setting. As one camper noted, "Wawona is different. The sites are large, well-spaced, and idyllic. Many are situated along the South Fork of the Merced River."

Reservations for Wawona Campground are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, with limited walk-up availability. Each site includes a bear box, which rangers strictly enforce using for all food, toiletries, and scented items. Weather varies significantly by season, with mid-April bringing a mix of snow and spring conditions. Summer temperatures are moderate due to the elevation. Cell service is limited but some visitors report Verizon hotspots working in certain areas. The campground has flush toilets and drinking water but no showers. A sanitary dump station is available for RVs near the entrance to the Wawona area.

The camping experience differs between locations, with Wawona offering a balance of amenities and natural setting. Loop B and C sites provide more privacy and less road noise than Loop A. Many riverside sites allow easy access to swimming holes and fishing spots along the Merced River. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, accessible via shuttle during peak season. The historic Wawona Hotel (Big Trees Lodge) provides dining options and limited supplies. According to reviews, "The river and swimming holes are close by and accessible to all, sites have ample space between each other, and all sites have their own bear box." Families particularly appreciate the spacious sites and proximity to natural swimming areas, making Wawona a popular multi-generational destination.

Best Camping Sites Near Wawona, California (355)

    1. Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Wawona, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 375-9535

    $28 - $75 / night

    "Wawona has been our yearly family vacation destination since I was a kid. We never grow tire of it!"

    "I can finally understand why it is proof positive of how diffficult it can be to get a campsite at this park. The natural beauty is beyond the words of a recreational camper like myself."

    2. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."

    3. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    65 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "Close to Happy Isles and Mirror Lake/Meadow, this campground is convenient for day hikers. it's one of the better spots in Yosemite Valley, somewhat off the beaten path, so to speak."

    "FYI, they are not joking about wildlife here, bear lockers are there for a reason and the animals are so comfortable and used to people they get close to camp."

    4. Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    41 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $60 / night

    "These are walk-in sites for tents only and are on a per person basis ( It fills up really fast ) parking is available adjacent to the campground, you will need a parking permit."

    "This iconic campground, situated in the middle of Yosemite Valley, was once home to many of America's early rock climbing pioneers. "

    5. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat near Yosemite National Forest

    17 Reviews
    Ahwahnee, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (801) 361-1982

    "It’s close to both Yosemite entrances ! Close to town . Love it ."

    "He kept in touch with us all throughout our drive there and helped us get set up upon arrival."

    6. Yosemite “Boondock National” Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    4 miles

    "Nestled amongst trees right on the edge of Yosemite. Was quite busy when I was there but managed to find a quiet spot tucked away & private."

    "People kept parking at the entrance of the dirt path."

    7. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    23 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $48 / night

    "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."

    "Within walking distance is the edge of the Merced river, from there you have views of Yosemite Falls."

    8. Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    20 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 - $60 / night

    "Bathrooms were clean, access to drinking water was easy. Park shuttle is nearby and easy to get around."

    "There is only a small area next to the paved parkway that is flat for our 6-person tent. But this is a Yosemite campground, we would take whatever campsite available. Restroom is clean."

    9. Summerdale Campground - Sierra National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $47 - $49 / night

    "So we opted to stay right outside- literally miles away! Nothing to write home about at the campsite- but it was quiet enough. The host was super friendly!"

    "Near the South entrance to Yosemite National Park, SUMMERDALE campground is a small, quiet, well maintained campground that requires advanced reservations."

    10. Indian Flat RV Park

    13 Reviews
    El Portal, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 379-2339

    $30 - $289 / night

    "At least when we visited the RV Park and the adjacent Cedar Lodge was functioning as one, meaning we could also use their pool, arcade, ping pong etc. Good places with tables, BBQ included."

    "Location is very good for access to Yosemite."

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Recent Reviews near Wawona, CA

1522 Reviews of 355 Wawona Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site

    Awesome site

    Hung iut here for a few weeks. Awesome views. Quiet with only occasional road noise. Conveniences (gas, groceries, dump station, restaurant, etc.) within 10 miles. Excellent Verizon signal (for data).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Magical place!

    Easy to drive in but don’t pass that sign that says “4 wheeled only” with an RV. We have a 24ft and had a perfectly leveled spot underneath a large tree. You can see the lake from there. We took a bicycle ride in to the “south Tufa” which is only 2 miles away. Watched the sunset there, magical!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Virginia Lake Rd. Boondocking

    So beautiful

    It was just so nice, I don’t know if it was dispersed camping cause the location takes you to Virginia creek and there is a long road with lots of space like it’s a legit campground but no one there to check and no signs that you had to pay. I went there on Labor Day weekend so it was busy everywhere, this place had a ton of spots open though. No one bothered us. Each spot had a bear food containers and access to a little creek. So you heard water running while you go to sleep. Loved it so much so peaceful.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    A good campground for full hook

    The bathrooms and showers are clean. The sites are a little tight. My Wi-Fi was Starlink so I don’t know how the camp Wi-Fi was.

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • S
    Sep. 1, 2025

    High Sierra RV Park

    Very nice host. Informative, caring

    Nice shot in the middle of town. Easy walk to all u need. Great cell service. Beautiful views of river. Clean

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Mono Lake South Dispersed

    Remote, dispersed campsite offers solitude, lake views, and wildlife.

    I spent a week here, making it worthwhile to unload the electric pop-up camper (w/ electric jacks) from my truck.  My canopy @rear (facing west) was very welcome, as the dead scrub offers absolutely NO shade.  It was charred from a recent burn, making for excellent campfires!  The cab-over cantilever @front (facing east) also gave shade in the late afternoon heat!  I brought two additional tanks of water, allowing for refreshing showers in this arid desert environment.  

    From Navy Beach Rd, I drove 3/4 miles east on FS-1N54, until I crossed into Inyo NF territory, @ a juncture.  After another 1/2 mile on E Shore Rd, I found a clearing suitable for my camper, @1/2 mile from the shore.  In another 3 miles, there is a very nice cul-de-sac turn-around, which, @50' x 100', looks large enough to accommodate a half-dozen vehicles.  In another 5 miles, you cross from USFS into a local tract of land.  While BLM territory surrounds the entire lake, it is more than 1 mile away from shore.  Beware of very soft sand I encountered beyond my campsite.  Some sections were like 'quicksand', forcing me to air-down to 15 PSI.  It challenged my 'Limited Slip' Tundra, so an AWD car could get in serious trouble.  The only people I saw were in two jeeps that passed-by my camp, backtracking out 1/2 hour later.  From my bed, I heard (but did not see - new moon) several animal visitors.  They only come out at night...  

    In spite of the seclusion, my camp was actually quite close to main roads, so I spent a lot of time out sight-seeing.  I was also close enough to Navy Beach to launch my kayak @sunrise, when the water is dead-calm.  Ocean-type squalls can flare up with no warning, because of the wide-open desert terrain.  I got a permit to camp on Phoe Island from a Ranger @Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.  However, after he showed me photos of squalls & told of numerous drowned kayakers, I thought better of it...

  • J
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Rock Tub Hot Springs

    Cattle

    Cattle have been in the springs, fresh cow pies all over. They have trampled the pipe that fills the rock tub. Don’t camp here expecting a hot springs.

  • J
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Hot Creek Dispersed

    Near hot spring, secluded

    Great location near all the hot springs but private enough. Only small group would fit here. I would not bring a trailer not this road, no real turn around point. Road to get here is short and easy. Great views into Hot Creek. You can walk to Sheep hot spring from here. Amazing views to wake up to. Some left several rolls of carpet and padding here :( otherwise pretty clean.


Guide to Wawona

Campsites near Wawona, California range from 4,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation, providing significantly cooler temperatures than the Central Valley during summer months. The region experiences distinct seasons with snow possible from November through April at higher elevations. Nearby Goat Meadow serves as an important overflow option during peak season when established campgrounds reach capacity.

What to do

Swimming in creeks: Several campgrounds in the Wawona area feature access to the Merced River and its tributaries. At North Pines Campground, "Camp sites have tree cover but aren't super private. Provides good access to Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. Use bear boxes, bears were active in the area while we visited."

Exploring historic sites: The Pioneer History Center near Indian Flat RV Park offers insights into early settlement. "After a long day of hiking in Yosemite it was nice to relax at the pool next door. We will definitely come back in the future," notes one camper about the convenience of this location.

Night sky viewing: The area's elevation and distance from major cities creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, campers report "Beautiful scenery, clean, close to Yosemite, and easy to reach. As others have said, follow Mount Raymond Rd up until you see the sign for the snow play area, and look to the right. There's an open area with fire pits."

Wildlife observation: The forests around Wawona support diverse wildlife including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. A visitor to Shooting Star Sanctuary noted, "We loved our stay here. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. The animals are a great bonus. Perfectly family friendly with plenty of room to hang out by the fire."

What campers like

Proximity to park attractions: Upper Pines Campground offers central access to Yosemite Valley features. According to one camper, "Being able to sleep under the stars in Yosemite Valley is a dream come true. The campground is crowded but the scenery makes up for it. Everywhere you look is an Ansel Adams portrait. Lots of trails leave from the surrounding area."

River access for recreation: Many sites feature proximity to water for cooling off during hot days. A Camp 4 visitor mentioned, "Camp 4 is literally in the middle of the trail to upper Yosemite Falls so the view of Yosemite Falls is better than in any other campground."

Less crowded alternatives: Areas outside the park boundaries offer quieter experiences with easier booking. At Summerdale Campground, "The sites are well spaced and private, unlike what you will find in the park. Fishing can be GREAT! But at times, has been really bad. We've often caught our limit each day (trout) and snagged some crawfish to boot."

Natural swimming holes: Campers frequently mention the refreshing swimming opportunities. One North Pines visitor shared, "This campground is right near the creek which people float down in late spring and early summer. Curry Village is a five minute walk away, while Yosemite Village is a ten minute shuttle ride away."

What you should know

Bear safety requirements: All campgrounds strictly enforce food storage rules. As noted at Lower Pines Campground, "The main one is food storage, we've seen some rangers go berserk on some people who refused to keep their sites clean. Bear sightings in this campground are very common."

Reservation timing strategies: Most established campgrounds fill months in advance. One visitor to Camp 4 advised, "Since it's a no reservation spot, it's a bit of a struggle to actually get a site (early wake up and wait in line situation), but it's definitely worth it. Protip: get there on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds."

Weather variability: Temperatures can change dramatically between seasons and even day to night. A visitor at Goat Meadow noted, "The elevation at the site is appx 5200, meaning it will get snow in the winter(ish) months. When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8"."

Noise considerations: Campgrounds within Yosemite Valley experience more traffic and visitor noise. A camper at North Pines observed, "North Pines is the busiest traditional campground in Yosemite Valley. Aside from Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, or Camp 4, this is the loudest place you can stay."

Tips for camping with families

Animal encounters: Shooting Star Sanctuary offers unique opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. One visitor reported, "We had the pleasure of staying with Jason and his family at the Shooting Star Sanctuary. The kids loved playing with the animals and it was a convenient location to access Yosemite."

Swimming safety: The Merced River features varying currents throughout the season. A visitor to North Pines noted, "The creek that runs by Upper Pines is very popular for swimming and rafting. You can bring dogs to Upper Pines but they must be on a leash and cannot enter fresh water."

Alternative activities: When hiking proves too strenuous for younger children, consider the Pioneer History Center near Wawona. One camper at Indian Flat mentioned, "We stayed here so we could shuttle to Yosemite. The lodge next door is a pick up spot for shuttles into the park. They have a bar/restaurant and a store which is convenient."

Bathroom facilities: Campground restroom quality varies significantly. At Summerdale, a visitor noted, "Pit toilets, trash service and piped water. All good quality and well maintained. The campground is CLEAN. I've never seen a cleaner campground."

Tips from RVers

Access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas have rough roads. At Goat Meadow, one RVer advised, "The road getting there has tons of potholes and the road in the site is super super bumpy."

Hookup availability: Most sites in the region lack full hookups. Indian Flat RV Park stands out with more amenities: "The campground is in a great spot. Ten minutes from Yosemite. We have a 20' trailer and fit fine, but no one was in the site behind us. It might have been a tight fit if there were."

Generator restrictions: Yosemite National Park limits generator hours. A Lower Pines visitor noted, "RVs are allowed but there are no hookups. Generators are allowed certain hours, check with camp host. Dump station is located at the entrance."

Alternative parking: During peak season, finding adequate RV parking can be challenging. One visitor to Yosemite "Boondock National" shared, "When you drive 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wawona, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wawona, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 355 campgrounds and RV parks near Wawona, CA and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wawona, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wawona, CA is Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wawona, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Wawona, CA.

What parks are near Wawona, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Wawona, CA that allow camping, notably Yosemite National Park and Eastman Lake.