Free camping in Hawke's Bay

11 free and low-cost places to camp in Hawke's Bay, with facilities and directions, and the ones we’d go back to first.

Our picks

Campground · WaikaremoanaHidden gem
Rosie Bay campsite
Free lakeside campsite in a secluded bay on Lake Waikaremoana.
DOC campsite · Mōhaka River area
Glenfalls Campsite
You need a certified self-contained vehicle to use this basic campsite in the Hawke's Bay area.
DOC campsite · Tūtira area
Lake Tūtira Campsite
Camp at the southern end of the freshwater lake, and walk to Table Mountain Trig for views of inland Kaweka, Maungaharuru Range and coastal Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking and sailing on the lake.
DOC campsite · Kaweka Forest Park
Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite
This is a popular camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for tramping, hunting or day walks up the Mohaka River and into the Kaweka Forest Park.
DOC campsite · Te Urewera
Orangihikoia Campsite
Camp in a remote setting north of Te Taita A Makoro campsite, and go hunting, walking or fishing.
DOC campsite · Te Urewera
Te Taita A Makoro Campsite
This is a basic campsite in the Te Urewera area. Camp by a stream, hunt, walk or relax.
DOC campsite · Waikari River area
Waikari River Mouth Campsite
This is a basic campsite in the Hawke's Bay region. Beside the Waikari River, this grassy campsite is a 10 minute walk to the beach for swimming, fishing and boating.

Freedom camping is allowed on much public land, but each council sets its own rules and many sites are for certified self-contained vehicles only. Fines run up to NZ$1,000, so check the sign or the council’s map before you stay.

Every other place we know

DOC campsite · Kaweka Forest Park · Free
Cameron Campsite
Toilets · Drinking water
Directions
Holiday park · Pōrangahau · Free
Freedom Camping
Directions
Free camp · Tarawera · Free
Campsite
Directions
Holiday park · Wairoa · Free
Caravan park
Directions

From OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), the Department of Conservation (CC BY 4.0) and Roadtrip’s own research. Check prices, rules and booking with the site.