How to Get a Camping Permit in Oahu
To get a camping permit on Oahu, you’ll first need to determine whether your campground is managed by the City & County of Honolulu or Division of 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 Oahu requires a valid permit before you arrive, and 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. Most visitors book through one of these two public permit systems.
City & County of Honolulu Campgrounds
For county-managed beach parks around the island.
Where to book: Reserve through camping.honolulu.gov, the City & County of Honolulu Parks & Recreation camping system.
When to book: New permits typically open online at 5pm HST on Fridays, two weeks before your camping dates.
Current permit fees: County camping isn’t free, and it’s not priced per night, you pay a flat rate for a 3-day or 5-day permit block, plus a small per-permit admin fee.
Good to know: Camping is only allowed in designated campsites. Pets and generators aren’t allowed.
State Park Campgrounds
For campgrounds managed by the Hawaii Division of State Parks.
Where to book: Reserve through Explore Outdoor Hawaii, the state’s camping reservation system.
When to book: Oahu is one of the few spots in the state system where permits open just 30 days out instead of a full year, so reserve as soon as your dates unlock.
Current permit fees: Fees vary depending on the campground and residency. Check the reservation system for the latest pricing.
Good to know: Some state campgrounds have limited sites, and vehicle access rules run stricter than at county parks.
Not Sure Which Permit You Need?
If you’ve searched for Oahu camping permits before, you’ve probably noticed more than one official website. That’s because public campgrounds on Oahu aren’t all managed by the same agency.
| County Campgrounds | State Park Campgrounds | |
|---|---|---|
| Managed by | City & County of Honolulu | Hawaii Division of State Parks |
| Best known for | Beach parks around the island | State recreation areas & gardens |
| Reservation system | camping.honolulu.gov | outdoor.hawaii.gov |
| Examples | Bellows Field, Kualoa, Hauʻula | Mālaekahana, Keaīwa Heiau, Sand Island |
Still deciding where to camp? Explore our Oahu Campground Guide to compare campgrounds, amenities, locations, and reservation links.
Camping Oahu by Campervan
Many travelers rent a campervan to get around Oahu and haul their gear, then tent camp at the island’s public campgrounds. Oahu’s county and state campgrounds don’t allow sleeping inside your vehicle, so plan to pitch a tent at your site and let the van handle everything else.
If you’re planning a campervan trip, browse our recommended Oahu rentals, then use our current Outdoorsy discount code here at lemondropcampers.com/outdoorsy-discount for 10% off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a camping permit for every campground on Oahu?
Yes, for all public campgrounds on Oahu. If you’re staying at a county park or a Hawaii State Park campground, you’ll need to reserve your site and get the required camping permit before you arrive. Camping outside designated campgrounds, including on beaches or in unauthorized areas, is generally not allowed.
If you’re staying at a private campground, like Camp Pālehua, you won’t need a government-issued permit, but you’ll still need to book directly with the campground. Every legal campground on Oahu requires some kind of advance reservation, whether that’s a government permit or a private booking.
What's the difference between a County camping permit and a State Park camping permit?
Different agency, different booking site, different price structure.
County permits cover Honolulu’s beach parks. You book at camping.honolulu.gov, permits open online at 5pm HST two weeks before your camping dates, and you pay a flat rate for a 3-day or 5-day block per site.
State permits cover Hawaii Division of State Parks campgrounds like Mālaekahana and Keaīwa Heiau. You book through Explore Outdoor Hawaii, permits open 30 days out, and you pay per night instead of per block: $20/night for Hawaii residents, $30/night for non-residents, for up to 10 people per site.
Not sure which one your campground falls under? Check the table above.
Can I sleep in my campervan at any Oahu campground?
No.
Every public campground on Oahu, county or state, requires you to camp in a tent. Vehicles need a permit displayed on the dash and have to stay parked in the designated lot, but sleeping inside the van itself isn’t allowed anywhere.
If you’re renting a campervan for your Oahu trip, bring or rent a tent for the nights you’re staying at a public campground.
Can I get a same-day Oahu camping permit?
No. Both systems run entirely on advance online reservations, and there’s no walk-up or same-day option.
County permits open two weeks before your camping dates, and state permits open up to 30 days before. Show up without a permit already in hand, and you can be turned away or cited, so lock it in before you leave home.
Can I camp anywhere on Oahu?
No. You can only camp in designated, permitted campgrounds: county beach parks, state recreation areas, or a private campground.
Camping on other beaches, in parking lots, or anywhere without a permit isn’t legal, and rangers do check.
How far in advance should I reserve permit?
As early as your system allows.
County permits open two weeks before your camping dates at 5pm HST on Fridays, and popular spots like Bellows Field or Mālaekahana can fill within minutes on a holiday weekend.
State permits open 30 days out, which is actually a shorter window than most other Hawaii state parks, where some open a full year ahead.
Mark your calendar and be ready to book the moment the window opens.