Pros & cons
PROS
- 24/7 pay-at-pump with card
- Carries diesel and propane
CONS
- Card readers often reject non‑US credit cards
- Prices higher than outside the park
Overview
The Wawona Gas Station is the south‑entrance lifeline for fuel inside the park, set on Wawona Road (Highway 41) at Forest Drive. It’s straightforward and practical: pull in, top up, and get back to the good stuff.
Fuel, hours, and payment
- Unleaded, diesel, and propane available.
- Attendants on site roughly 8 am–5 pm; pay‑at‑pump works 24/7 with credit/debit.
- Expect limited store hours; don’t count on the shop being open early or late.
Best time to stop
Midday is when pumps see the most action; plan quick, low‑stress stops early morning or later in the evening. If you’ll need help with propane or a finicky pump, come during staffed hours.
Payment quirks
Travelers report the card readers can be picky—especially with non‑US bank cards. If your card is international, fuel up before you enter or stop while the station is staffed.
Price and planning tips
Gas inside the park is convenient but typically costs more than in gateway towns. If you can, top off in Oakhurst (Hwy 41) or El Portal (Hwy 140) and use Wawona as your safety net.
Nearby quick stops
Restroom access at the station isn’t guaranteed after hours. As a backup, there’s a vault toilet by the picnic area just past the Wawona Store on Forest Drive. For consistently reliable facilities (and water), the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza is a short drive south.
While you’re here
If you need to stretch your legs, the Wawona Meadow Loop and the Yosemite History Center are close by, and the South Fork of the Merced offers mellow spots to cool off—easy add‑ons to a fuel stop.
Where it is
37.5372, -119.6575Tips for Wawona Gas Station
- 01Top off in Oakhurst or El Portal to save money and use Wawona as a backup.
- 02If you have a non‑US credit card, don’t rely on after‑hours fueling here.
- 03For propane or pump assistance, arrive during the 8 am–5 pm staffed window.
- 04Stop early morning or after dinner to avoid midday queues.
- 05If the station restroom is closed, use the vault toilet by the Forest Drive picnic area.
Amenities
Near Wawona Gas Station
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayWawona StoreHandy stop for groceries, grab-and-go eats, and camp essentialsStore · Food
0.1 mi awayWawona Golf CourseHistoric, eco‑friendly meadow course with nine holes and big viewsFood · Store
0.1 mi awayPioneer Yosemite History CenterOpen‑air village of Yosemite’s past beside a covered bridgeRestroom · Exhibit
0.1 mi awayWawona Visitor Center at Hill's StudioHistoric art studio turned mellow ranger outpost and permit stopVisitor Center · Exhibit
0.1 mi awayWawona Meadow Loop TrailEasy meadow loop with dogs, bikes, and room to breatheEasy · 3.5 mi · 2 hr
0.4 mi awayAlder Creek TrailQuiet Wawona loop to cascades, meadows, and a seldom-seen waterfallChallenging · 15.4 mi · 6.8 hr
1.5 mi awayChilnualna Falls TrailSteady climb to tiered falls, big views, and a quiet Wawona escapeChallenging · 8.4 mi · 5 hr
1.5 mi awayBuena Vista TrailLakes, meadows, and a quiet High Sierra pass from WawonaChallenging · 26.4 mi · 13.8 hr
