Wawona Campground
Inside the park · 27 miles south of Yosemite Valley
Along the South Fork of the Merced. Walk to the Mariposa Grove shuttle and the historic Wawona Hotel.
Price
$36
per night
Booking
Books early
Type
Campground
You'll book on Recreation.gov. We don't handle reservations.
Score breakdown
Weighted from seven categories.
Why it scores this way
Wawona pairs a strong family score with real river access. It sits in the park's quieter southern district, so remote and view both hold up, and value is high for an inside-the-park option. Booking is still tough — southern district demand tracks the Mariposa Grove reopening.
See methodology →Best for
- Families with young kids
- Mariposa Grove day trippers
- Anyone wanting river access
- Quieter alternative to the valley
Good to know before booking
- Swimming in the South Fork Merced is a highlight for kids
- Free shuttle to Mariposa Grove during peak season
- About an hour drive to Yosemite Valley — not a day-trip base
- No hookups; small pull-throughs only
Best time to camp here
- Best months
- May – September
- Higher demand
- June – August weekends
- Weather note
- River is highest in May/June, warmer for swimming by July.
Amenities
Essentials
- Toilets
Site features
- Firepits
- Picnic tables
Access & activities
- Swimming
- Trailhead access
Tags
Location
Wawona, Yosemite, CA
Inside the park · 27 miles south of Yosemite Valley
37.538° N, 119.657° W
Open in Google MapsNearby alternatives
Three campgrounds close by, each with a different trade-off.
Data note. Scores are editorial estimates from published park data, amenity lists and seasonal booking patterns — not live availability. Booking availability shown on partner sites is authoritative.
Disclosure. CampingPoints may earn a commission when you book through some partner links. This never affects a campground's score or ranking.
Last reviewed: January 2026
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