The Big Island, also called Hawaii Island, is by far the largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s an adventurer’s dream: you can wake up on a white-sand beach, hike through a rainforest, and watch molten lava glow in a volcano—all in the same day. Camping is one of the best ways to experience it all.
I recommend focusing on one area of the island at a time. The Big Island is so large that driving can take hours, so it’s best to set up a base on either the Kona side (west) or the Hilo side (east), and then move as you go.
Camping Tips
Reserve Early: The best spots require permits that often sell out weeks in advance.
Be Ready for All Weather: From hot beaches to chilly volcano summits, layers are essential.
No Wild Camping: Permits are required, and rangers check often. It is illegal to sleep in a vehicle on public property without a permit.
Types of Campgrounds
Hawaii features three primary campground types: National Park, State, and County. There are also private campgrounds and farm stays, which often come with unique amenities like Wi-Fi, hot showers, or even farm-to-table meals. Want more? Check our comprehensive campervan camping guide in Big Island.
We’re always updating this list with new details and booking links. As of March 2026, this is the best info you’ll find on camping on the Big Island.
East Side (Hilo, Volcano & Hamakua Coast)
Laupahoehoe Beach Park
(County Park)
Tucked along the Hamakua Coast, this park provides restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and pavilions. You’ll need a camping permit to stay overnight.
Kulanaokuaiki Campground (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park)
A secluded and quiet spot with pit toilets but no drinking water. Bring your own supplies. You can pay the fee at the campground’s self-registration station.
Kalopa State Recreation Area (State Park)
This is a cool, misty forest park with hiking trails. Tent camping and cabins are available. You need a permit, which costs $30 per night for non-residents and $20 for residents.
Book Kalopa State Recreation Area
Mackenzie State Recreation Area (State Park)
This park on the coast in East Puna is known for its dramatic scenery of jagged lava and leaning palms. It has a picnic area but no drinking water. Camping is not allowed here.
South Side (Ka‘ū & South Kona)
Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park (County Park)
This famous black sand beach is a unique place to camp, with waves rolling onto volcanic shores. Green sea turtles often rest here at night. The park provides restrooms and pavilions, but there is no night security, so campers need to be mindful and plan accordingly.
Ho‘okena Beach Park (County Park)
This is a favorite for locals. The gray-sand beach is in a calm bay that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place to camp, with restrooms, a concession stand, and Wi-Fi you can buy.
Whittington Beach Park (County Park)
This pretty, grassy park is right on the ocean and has beautiful views of the rocky coastline. It can be windy, but it’s a great spot for watching the sunrise. Just know that there is no drinking water. The park provides restrooms.
Milolii Beach Park
(County Park)
Located in South Kona, this park has portable toilets but no drinking water, showers, or pavilions. The shoreline is rugged and often windy, yet it is scenic and quiet. You need a camping permit.
Manuka State Wayside (State Park)
This rest area offers a 2-mile nature trail through a transitional forest to a volcanic crater. You can camp in an open shelter, but it’s isolated from your car and there is no drinking water on site.
West Side (Kona & Kohala Coast)
Kapaa Beach Park
(County Park)
This park has restrooms but no drinking water or showers. The setting is simple yet peaceful, ideal for quiet camping. You need a permit.
Spencer Beach Park (County Park)
A family favorite thanks to its calm, reef-protected waters. The park has great facilities like bathrooms, showers, and lots of grass to relax on. You’ll need a permit to camp.
Kīholo State Park Reserve (State Park)
This rugged bay of lava rock and black sand is strikingly beautiful. You can camp here on weekends only, and sites are basic with pit toilets but no drinking water.
Book Kīholo State Park Reserve
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area (State Park)
Often called one of the best beaches in the world. Camping is in A-frame shelters with wooden platforms and a picnic table. The cabins are presently closed, but when open, you need to reserve at least 7 days in advance. Permit costs $70 per night for non-residents and $40 per night for residents.
Kohanaiki Beach Park (County Park)
Just south of Kona International Airport, this park is popular with surfers and paddle boarders. It has drinking water, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Security guards are on duty 24 hours, but the gates close at 9 p.m.
Mahukona Beach Park (County Park)
This park on a rocky shoreline has portable restrooms, but be aware that there is no running water and regular restrooms & showers are currently unavailable. You must bring your own water.
Interior (Saddle Road & Mauna Kea)
Mauna Kea Recreation Area (County Park)
A cool, high-elevation park on Saddle Road between Hilo and Kona (about 6,500 ft). It has cabins and bunkhouses (bunkhouses require a group permit); the county lists lodging (cabins/bunkhouses) rather than tent campsites. Great for stargazing. Since the park is isolated, you must be prepared and plan ahead.
Backcountry & Private Options
The Big Island also has backcountry sites inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that require you to reserve permits in advance. These are for serious hikers who want a rugged, remote experience.
In addition to public land, many private campgrounds and farm stays can be booked through Hipcamp. These sites offer unique amenities and experiences.
Ohia Hale
A farm stay with an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Campers enjoy rustic charm and open skies.
Wild Blue Water Ranch
A secluded site with ocean views and amenities including a hot shower, pool, and jacuzzi.
Arnott’s Lodge
Located by a lodge in Hilo, this site offers amenities like Wi-Fi, charging stations, bathrooms, and laundry.
Camping on Big Island: Best Big Island Campgrounds
Camping on the Big Island feels like stepping into a world of wild beauty. One moment you’re waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a black sand beach, and the next, you’re surrounded by green forests or sleeping under the stars near a volcano. Every campsite has its own charm, and that’s what makes this island so special.
If you want quiet and a close connection with nature, the state and national parks are perfect. You’ll find peaceful trails, calm beaches, and incredible sunrise views. But if you like a few home comforts, private campgrounds are a good pick—they often have things like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and even small kitchens. County parks are the most budget-friendly, though some areas can feel a bit rough, so it’s always smart to do a little research before you go.
No matter where you camp, reserve early, bring your own gear or rent a camping gear, and come prepared. Big Island’s mix of ocean views, green valleys, and mountain scenery makes camping one of the best ways to see the island in a more local and simple way.
Important note: Don’t visit Big Island without renting a campervan far in advance, and when you rent with Lemon Drop Campers you can get 10% off your rental by using the code LMONDROP10 at checkout here at Outdoorsy.