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.
