Pros & cons
PROS
- Free Level 2 charging courtesy of Yosemite Hospitality
- 24 J1772 ports in the Wawona Store parking lot, open 24/7
CONS
- No DC fast charging
- Can be busy on summer weekends and holidays
Overview
If you’re road-tripping in an EV, this is your Wawona lifeline. The Wawona EV Charging Station sits in the parking lot next to the Wawona Store and offers 24 Level 2 ports (J1772), each up to 11 kW. It’s free to use, funded by Yosemite Hospitality, and available 24/7, so you can top up while grabbing supplies or planning your next hike.
What to Expect
These are Level 2 chargers—think roughly 30–40 miles of range per hour for most vehicles—so plan to linger a bit. The bank of 24 ports means turnover is decent, but summer afternoons can still see a queue. There are no DC fast chargers in Wawona, so this is about steady refueling, not a splash-and-dash.
Compatibility & Gear
Ports are J1772. Most non-Teslas plug right in; Tesla drivers should bring a J1772 adapter. That tiny piece of plastic and metal turns “stressful detour” into “easy top-up.”
Planning Tips
- It’s free to charge here, but you still need a valid park entry to access the lot.
- Budget Level 2 time into your day—pair it with a grocery run or a meal break.
- Move your car when you’re done; etiquette keeps everyone rolling.
Nearby & Alternatives
Being next to the Wawona Store makes this one of the more convenient charging stops in the southern part of the park. If it’s packed, there are additional Level 2 locations elsewhere in the park (Yosemite Valley, El Portal, Tuolumne Meadows), but expect similar Level 2 speeds.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays or early mornings/late evenings see the easiest availability.
- Summer weekends and holidays are busiest—arrive early or plug in later in the day.
- For cooler temps and calmer lots, shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are friendlier to both batteries and drivers.
Where it is
37.5488, -119.6405Tips for Wawona EV Charging Station
- 01Bring a J1772 adapter if you drive a Tesla.
- 02Pair charging with a store run to make the Level 2 time painless.
- 03Expect crowds on summer weekends; early morning or late evening is easiest.
- 04Move your car promptly when charging completes to keep spots flowing.
Amenities
Near Wawona EV Charging Station
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayPine Tree MarketWawona’s go-to market for fresh food, coffee, and trail essentialsStore · Food
0.4 mi awayChilnualna Falls TrailSteady climb to tiered falls, big views, and a quiet Wawona escapeChallenging · 8.4 mi · 5 hr
0.4 mi awayBuena Vista TrailLakes, meadows, and a quiet High Sierra pass from WawonaChallenging · 26.4 mi · 13.8 hr
0.6 mi awaySwinging Bridge TrailA short, swimmable river stroll to a bridge that actually swings.Easy · 0.8 mi · 30 min
0.8 mi awayWawona Swinging BridgeShort stroll to a swaying bridge and summer swimming holeParking · Restroom
0.8 mi awayAlder Creek TrailQuiet Wawona loop to cascades, meadows, and a seldom-seen waterfallChallenging · 15.4 mi · 6.8 hr
0.8 mi awayAlder Creek FallsSecluded Wawona waterfall via a quiet, off-the-radar forest hikeTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayBig Trees StableGuided mule rides from Wawona through meadows and pines
