How to Get a Camping Permit in Kauai
To get a camping permit on Kauai, you’ll first need to determine whether your campground is managed by the County of Kauai or Hawaii State Parks. Once you know which reservation system to use, you can reserve your campsite online before your trip.
Camping at all public campgrounds on Kauai requires a valid permit before you arrive, and wild camping or overnight camping outside designated campgrounds is generally prohibited.
Choose the option below to find the correct booking website, current permit fees, and what to expect before you reserve.
Where Do You Want to Camp?
Start by choosing the type of campground you’re staying at. Kauai has two main public camping permit systems, depending on who manages the campground.
County Campgrounds
For county-managed beach parks and public campgrounds.
Lydgate Campground: $25 per campsite, per night for non-residents and $5 per campsite, per night for Hawaii residents. Group campsite rates vary. Please check the latest fee schedule before booking.
State Park Campgrounds
For campgrounds managed by the Hawaii Division of State Parks.
Kalalau Campground (Nāpali Coast): $35 per person, per night for non-residents and $25 per person, per night for Hawaii residents. Always check the latest rates before booking, as fees may change.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds don’t require a government-issued camping permit. Instead, reservations are made directly with the campground.
Not Sure Which Permit You Need?
If you’ve searched for Kauai camping permits before, you’ve probably noticed more than one official website. That’s because public campgrounds on Kauai aren’t all managed by the same agency.
| County Campgrounds | State Park Campgrounds | |
|---|---|---|
| Managed by | County of Kauai | Hawaii Division of State Parks |
| Best known for | Beach parks | State parks & wilderness areas |
| Reservation system | County of Kauai | Explore Outdoor Hawaii |
| Examples | Salt Pond, Anini, Anahola, Lydgate | Polihale, Kōkee, Kalalau |
Still deciding where to camp? Explore our Kauai Campgrounds Guide to compare campgrounds, amenities, locations, and reservation links.
Camping Kauai by Campervan
Many travelers combine a campervan rental with Kauai’s public campgrounds to explore more of the island while staying in designated camping areas.
If you’re planning a campervan adventure, browse our recommended rentals and take advantage of our exclusive Outdoorsy 10% discount when you book with us and use our code LMONDROP10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a camping permit for every campground on Kauai?
Yes, for all public campgrounds on Kauai.
If you’re staying at a County campground or a Hawaii State Park campground, you’ll need to reserve your campsite and obtain the required camping permit before you arrive. Camping outside designated campgrounds, including on beaches or in unauthorized areas, is generally prohibited.
If you’re staying at a private campground, you won’t need a government-issued permit, but you’ll still need to make a reservation directly with the campground. Every legal campground on Kauai requires some form of advance booking, whether it’s a government permit or a private reservation.
What's the difference between a County camping permit and a State Park camping permit?
The difference comes down to who manages the campground.
County camping permits are for beach parks and campgrounds operated by the County of Kauai, such as Salt Pond Beach Park and Anini Beach Park.
State Park camping permits are for campgrounds managed by the Hawaii Division of State Parks, including Polihale State Park, Kōkee State Park, and Kalalau Campground.
Each system has its own reservation website, camping rules, fees, and availability.
Can I sleep in my campervan at any campground?
Not always.
Some campgrounds can accommodate self-contained campervans, while others are designed primarily for tent camping or have restrictions on overnight vehicles. Before booking your campsite, check the campground’s rules to make sure overnight campervan parking is allowed.
If you’re renting a campervan, it’s a good idea to choose a campground that specifically welcomes vehicle camping.
Can I get a same-day camping permit?
Sometimes, but it depends on availability.
If campsites are still open, you may be able to reserve one on the day of your trip. However, popular campgrounds especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons often book out well in advance. Reserving early gives you the best chance of getting your preferred campground.
Can I camp anywhere on Kauai?
No.
Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds with a valid reservation or camping permit. Sleeping overnight on beaches, roadside pullouts, parking lots, or other unauthorized areas is generally not allowed.
How far in advance should I reserve?
Reserve as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Popular campgrounds such as Kalalau, Polihale, Salt Pond, and Anini can fill quickly during holidays and peak travel seasons. Booking early gives you the best selection of campsites and helps avoid last-minute changes to your itinerary.