Wawona Horse Camp

Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, Wawona Horse Camp offers a truly distinctive camping experience for those who travel with their equine companions. This specialized campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wonders of Yosemite from horseback, offering direct access to scenic trails and a serene base amidst the park's majestic landscapes. Unlike general campgrounds, Wawona Horse Camp is specifically designed to accommodate campers with horses or other stock animals, ensuring that both human and animal guests have a comfortable and convenient stay.

The camp's prime location along the South Fork of the Merced River, adjacent to the historic Wawona area, places visitors in a peaceful and picturesque setting. Here, the gentle sounds of the river mingle with the rustling of ponderosa pines, incense-cedars, and white firs, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Wawona Horse Camp serves as more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to an immersive natural experience, blending the rustic appeal of traditional camping with the unique joy of equestrian exploration in one of California's most iconic national parks. From here, adventurers can embark on unforgettable rides through diverse landscapes, encountering the natural splendor that Yosemite is famous for, all while being immersed in the unique environment of this historic park region.

Wawona Horse Camp is situated in the southern end of Yosemite National Park, with its address noted as California 95389, USA. More specifically, it is located along the South Fork Merced River, adjacent to the historic Wawona community. This puts the camp at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters), offering a milder climate than some of the higher-elevation areas of the park.

Accessibility to Wawona Horse Camp is convenient for those driving into Yosemite National Park from Central or Southern California. From the South Entrance of the park, visitors will travel approximately 7 miles north on Highway 41 (Wawona Road). Upon reaching the Wawona area, a right turn onto Chilnualna Road, followed by another right onto Wawona District Circle, will lead directly to the camp. For those arriving from Yosemite Valley, the drive is about 28 miles south (approximately 45-50 minutes) on Highway 41, with a left turn onto Chilnualna Road and then a right onto Wawona District Circle.

The strategic location of Wawona Horse Camp also provides excellent access to several key Yosemite attractions. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the world's largest and oldest trees, is just a short four-mile drive away. Additionally, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, offering a fascinating glimpse into the park's past, is right next door. The Wawona area itself provides essential services including a visitor center, a historic hotel, and a general store and gas station less than a mile from the campground, ensuring that campers have access to necessary supplies and information during their stay. This combination of natural beauty, convenient access, and nearby amenities makes Wawona Horse Camp an ideal base for exploring the southern reaches of Yosemite National Park.

Wawona Horse Camp provides specific services tailored to equestrian campers, ensuring a comfortable stay for both visitors and their horses.

• Equestrian-Specific Campsites: The campsites are exclusively designed for those with horses or other stock animals. Reservations are mandatory for these sites, and campers arriving without a horse will have their reservation canceled.
• High Lines: Each campsite is equipped with high lines, allowing for the proper and safe tethering of horses.
• Flush Toilets: Modern flush toilet facilities are available on-site, providing a significant convenience for campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is provided, ensuring access to fresh water for both humans and animals.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for preparing meals and enjoying campfires (when regulations allow).
• Food Storage Lockers: Bear-resistant food storage lockers are provided at each site, measuring 45"(D)x33"(W)x18"(H) in the horse camp. Proper food storage is mandatory to protect Yosemite's bear population.
• Nearby General Store and Gas Station: A general store and gas station are conveniently located less than a mile away in the Wawona community, offering essential supplies and fuel.
• Dump Station: A dump station for RVs and trailers is available in Wawona during the summer season, located on Forest Drive east of the Wawona Store.

Wawona Horse Camp offers a unique blend of natural beauty and specialized amenities, making it a standout destination within Yosemite National Park for equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

• Mandatory Horse/Stock Animal Requirement: This distinct feature ensures that the campground maintains its focus as an equestrian haven, creating a community of like-minded visitors.
• Riverside Setting: The camp is situated along the gentle South Fork of the Merced River, providing a serene backdrop, opportunities for peaceful relaxation, and direct access to the water in many areas.
• Abundant Shade: The forested environment, rich with ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade throughout the day, enhancing comfort, especially during warmer months.
• Proximity to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Located just four miles away, this iconic grove allows for easy day trips to witness some of the world's most magnificent trees, with numerous hiking trails within the grove itself.
• Access to Yosemite History Center: Right next door to the camp, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center provides an enriching educational experience, showcasing historic buildings and offering a glimpse into Yosemite's past.
• Extensive Trail Access: From Wawona, visitors have access to a network of hiking and riding trails, including the Wawona Meadow Loop, Swinging Bridge Loop, Alder Creek, and Chilnualna Falls trails, enabling immersive exploration of the park's diverse landscapes directly from the camp.
• Strategic Location within Yosemite: While offering a quieter alternative to the bustling Yosemite Valley, Wawona is still only about a 45-minute drive from the Valley's famous landmarks, and also provides access to Glacier Point and the Tioga Road for further exploration.
• Pet-Friendly (with leash): Pets are permitted at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash at all times, allowing more Californians to bring their beloved animals on their adventure (excluding horses).

For reservations and inquiries regarding Wawona Horse Camp, please utilize the following information. Given the specialized nature and popularity of this campground within Yosemite National Park, reservations are highly recommended and often essential, particularly during peak season.

Address: California 95389, USA (Located one mile north of Wawona, Yosemite National Park, specifically along Wawona District Circle off Chilnualna Road.)

Phone for campground inquiries: (209) 375-9535

Reservations for Wawona Horse Campsites are available through Recreation.gov. It's important to note that these sites are available for reservation up to five months in advance, typically released on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. Due to high demand, campsites, especially within Yosemite, often sell out within minutes of their release. Prospective campers should visit the Recreation.gov website and search for "Wawona Horse Campsites" to check availability and make reservations. If arriving late, it is crucial to call the campground at the provided phone number to avoid cancellation of your reservation.

For Californians, Wawona Horse Camp presents an exceptional and highly suitable option for a memorable outdoor adventure. Its location within Yosemite National Park, a cherished natural gem of the state, makes it relatively accessible for many residents across California, particularly those from the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California regions. The opportunity to camp with horses is a significant draw, offering equestrian enthusiasts a unique way to experience Yosemite's renowned trails and natural beauty that few other campgrounds can provide. This allows for immersive multi-day riding excursions directly from your campsite into the vast wilderness.

Beyond the equestrian focus, the camp's setting in the historic Wawona area offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Yosemite Valley, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape. The proximity to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center provides rich cultural and natural experiences just a short distance from your tent or RV. The blend of serene riverside camping, essential amenities like flush toilets and potable water, and convenient access to both the southern attractions and the iconic Yosemite Valley, positions Wawona Horse Camp as a truly comprehensive and appealing destination for California locals. It’s a chance to connect with one of the state's most magnificent landscapes in a distinct and unforgettable way, fostering a deeper appreciation for California's natural heritage.

Wawona Horse Camp

California 95389, USA