Wawona Horse Camp
The Quick Take
This is one of the most specialized campgrounds in the entire national park system — Wawona Horse Camp exists for equestrian campers, full stop. With just two group sites along the South Fork Merced River, it feels less like a campground and more like a private trailhead with plumbing. The location in Wawona puts you about 45 minutes from the Valley crowds, which is either a dealbreaker or the whole point depending on your priorities. You're a short ride from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona meadows, both spectacular on horseback. Amenities are bare-bones — potable water and food lockers, but no showers or flush toilets. If you're traveling with horses and want a legitimate base camp in the southern end of Yosemite, this is your only real option. Non-equestrian campers should look elsewhere.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 2 sites are reservable.
Book at Yosemite LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 35 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
The Wawona Horse Campsites are not accessible. The nearby restroom is accessible via a paved sidewalk. Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Rules to Know
- Fires:<b>Fires:</b> Wood and charcoal fires are permitted.
- Bear Safety:<b>You are required to store food properly in order to protect Yosemite's bears.</b> Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/bears.htm">bears</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm">proper food storage</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lockers.htm">food lockers</a>.
- Occupancy:<b>People per site:</b> A maximum of six people (including children) are allowed per campsite, <b>Vehicles per site:</b> A maximum of two vehicles are allowed per campsite.
Pro Tips
Reservations drop on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific, five months out. Set an alarm — with only two sites, this books instantly during summer. Have your Recreation.gov account loaded and ready to go before the clock strikes.
The Chilnualna Falls trailhead is practically next door and makes for an outstanding day ride through granite country. The trail climbs about 2,400 feet over four miles to a series of cascading falls that most Yosemite visitors never see.
There are no camp stores or firewood sales here, so stock up at the Wawona Store before you settle in. Bear canisters or the provided food lockers are mandatory — Wawona's black bears are famously persistent, and a horse camp with feed bags is basically a dinner bell.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
The Wawona Horse Camp is located off of the Wawona Road. From the South Entrance drive 6 miles north on the Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41) and in Wawona turn right on Chilnualna Road. The camp is on Wawona District Cir. to the right. From Yosemite Valley, drive south 28 miles south (approximately 50 minutes) and in Wawona turn left onto Chilnualna Road, then right onto Wawona District Circle. You'll find the camp on the right.
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