Best Campgrounds in Waikato for Campervan Travellers

Waikato is a generous region of rolling farmland, bubbling geothermal zones, mighty awa (river) valleys, and enchanting native bush. We’ve broken it down into districts to help you explore the best of what each area offers.

🚐 Need a Campervan for Your Journey?

Looking to explore Aotearoa – New Zealand by road? Start by comparing motorhome options with Motorhome Republic. It’s a simple way to find the best fit for your travel style — whether you’re after a cosy van for two or a fully equipped home on wheels.

🌳 South Waikato (Putāruru / Arapuni / Karāpiro)

✅ Little Waipa Reserve – Putāruru

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free (permit required for longer stays)
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, hot shower, river access
• Why it’s great: Scenic riverside grassy reserve beside Lake Karapiro. Ideal for relaxing, boating, or doing the River Trail.
• Tips: Permit needed for stays over two nights. No dump station or water refill—come prepared.

🌅 Horahora Domain – Lake Karāpiro

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Public toilets, lakeside grassy parking
• Why it’s great: A spacious lakeside reserve offering peaceful overnight stays and lovely lake views. Often used as a staging post for nearby events—but still retains a relaxed, open vibe travellers
• Tips: Arrive early to grab a good spot, especially before weekends or events. The grassy ground can get soft after rain, but most campervans manage just fine. Clean toilets, but no water or dump facilities

🚐 Arapuni Mangakino Free Camping – Mangakino

• Type: Free riverside camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, bins, BBQ area
• Why it’s great: Perfect stop-off on the Waikato River Trail. Picnic-ready and often quiet.
• Tips: No power or showers. Pack out all rubbish.
• Helpful Website: Waikato River Trails info

🏨 Karāpiro Mighty River Domain – Karāpiro

• Type: Wellington Regional Council campground | Cost: ~NZ$20pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, toilets, showers, dump station
• Why it’s great: Close to the lake, rowing course, walking trails. Ideal for water-lovers.
• Tips: Busy during events—quiet and picturesque in off-peak times.

🌋 Rotorua

🛶 Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park – Ōkāreka

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, kitchen, laundry, spa, playground, dump station
• Why it’s great: Lakeside with nearby mountain biking tracks, swimming, and native bush surrounds—a fantastic comfort base.
• Tips: Great family-friendly vibe. Book early in summer.

🔥 Hot Water Beach Campsite – Lake Tarawera

• Type: Basic campground | Cost: Self-pay or low-cost
• Facilities: Beach, picnic tables, toilets
• Why it’s great: Dig a hot pool by the lake! Rustic and relaxed, yet magical.
• Tips: Check times for best warm water experience.

🔌 Tasman Holiday Park – Central Rotorua

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$28pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, full amenities, close to town
• Why it’s great: Easy access to Rotorua’s geothermal and cultural attractions.
• Tips: Perfect if your camper needs topping up with power or if you want showers before heading out.

🎣 Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park – Rotorua

• Type: Paid holiday park | Cost: From ~$21pp (varies by accommodation type)
• Facilities: Powered sites, non-powered tent sites, cabins & motel rooms, shared kitchen and BBQ area, laundry, swimming pool, playground, dump station, free kayak hire
• Why it’s great: Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Waitetī Stream, this lush, tree-lined park offers trout fishing (bring your rod—or use their “Trout Man” tuition!), canoeing, and a relaxing pool for cooling down after a day on the water 
• Tips: A peaceful family-friendly setting with hot spa access. About a 10-minute drive from central Rotorua, so no sulphur smell .

🌲 Lake Ōkāreka DOC Campsite – Lake Ōkāreka

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: $15pp, $7.50 child, infants free (from 1 July 2025: $18/$9)
• Facilities: 12 non-powered sites, long-drop toilets, cooking shelter, picnic tables, lake access (swimming/fishing), untreated water (boil before drinking) 
• Why it’s great: Just 15 minutes from Rotorua, this scenic lakeside spot is perfect for a quiet swim or paddle. “Beautiful spot … stunning views of the lake” say TripAdvisor reviewers.
• Tips: Arrive early to grab a lakeside pitch. No power or showers—use nearby Boyes Beach for facilities. Not suitable for vehicles over 6 m.

Note: DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites may require bookings depending on the season. Always check site details, availability, and current conditions at the Official DOC Camping page.

🏞️ Waikato District & Waitomo (Hamilton / Pirongia / Waitomo)

🏟️ Porritt Stadium – Hamilton

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Public toilets (7:30 am–6 pm), first-come first-served carpark
• Why it’s great: Quiet riverside location with playground, athletics track, and easy access to Hamilto amenities. It’s open 365 days/year, and up to six certified motorhomes can stay from 5 pm to 9 am, for a maximum of three nights per month 
• Tips: Gates lock by 8:30 pm. Call council if you’re locked in. While the grounds are usually pleasant, some Reddit users have noted “a few questionable ones” at times—best to stay alert and avoid late arrivals.

🌲 Kaniwhaniwha Campsite – Pirongia Forest Park

Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free
Facilities: Long-drop toilets, stream water
Why it’s great: Quiet forest-adjacent site with nearby bush walks and cave experiences.
Tips: No bookings or power. Ideal for a back-to-nature night.

🐾 Ngāruawāhia Domain – Ngāruawāhia

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, waste bins
• Why it’s great: Riverside camp with a view of Hakarimata Ranges and access to shops.
• Tips: 2-night max stay rule. Good base for hiking Hakarimata Steps.

🦇 Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park – Waitomo

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$26pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered, pool, spa, kitchen, Wi‑F
• Why it’s great: Prime base for glowworm cave adventures with modern comforts.
• Tips: Close your day under the stars after exploring caves.

🪶 Lake Ngaroto – Near Te Awamutu

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, walking track
• Why it’s great: A peaceful lakeside reserve with birdlife and a scenic 1.5–hour loop track around the lake. Flat, grassy space makes it easy for campervans to park up.
• Tips: Stay within the designated area near the carpark. Can get misty and magical in the early morning.

Ready to book your campground? Most campervan sites in Aotearoa – New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday park’s website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If you’re looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Booking.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips — especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.

💡 Travel Tips from Locals

• Carry cash for honesty box campsites
• Always check local council freedom camping rules
• Use CamperMate or Rankers for up-to-date site reviews
• Stock up on essentials before heading into remote areas
• Book DOC sites early in peak season via their Website
• South Waikato: Great river and lake stops—perfect for water lovers and hikers.
• Rotorua: Full-service holiday parks near geothermal and cultural hubs.
• Waikato/Waitomo: Freedom camping beside forests or rivers, paired with DOC/holiday parks for comfort