Wawona Horse Camp: Equestrian Basecamp in Yosemite’s Southern Wilderness
If you're looking to explore Yosemite’s backcountry by horseback, Wawona Horse Camp is the only designated stock-use campground inside the park — and it's a gem. Nestled among tall pines and just a short ride from the scenic Wawona Meadow Loop, this camp offers a peaceful and practical base for equestrians seeking to ride Yosemite’s southern trails without the crowds of the Valley.
Camp Features
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Location: Wawona, in the southern section of Yosemite National Park
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Sites: 3 designated stock-use sites
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Accommodations: Room for horse trailers, highlines, and nearby corrals
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Access: Direct to the Wawona Meadow Loop; near trailheads into the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite Wilderness
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Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables
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Season: Typically open late May through September (weather permitting)
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Pets: Allowed (must be leashed)
Note: Wawona Horse Camp is reserved exclusively for equestrian use — you must have a horse to book a site.
Why Ride from Wawona
Wawona offers quiet, pine-scented riding away from the traffic of Yosemite Valley. Trails wind through meadows, creeks, and ridgelines — including access to the Chilnualna Falls Trail, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and longer routes into the wilderness.
Whether you’re staying for the weekend or planning a pack trip into the Sierra high country, Wawona Horse Camp makes a convenient, scenic starting point.
Reservations
Spots are limited, and reservations are required.
Book through Recreation.gov here:
Reserve Wawona Horse Camp
