Kauai, aka the “Garden Isle,” has campgrounds all around the island that can each serve as a good base for exploring the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for beachside camping or a mountain hideaway, Kauai offers diverse experiences for everyone. My recommendation is to spend your time in one area of the island and then move on to the next so that you can save yourself travel time and have more time to just enjoy being outdoors.
I like to either start on the North Shore or on the West Side and then work my way around the island. We’ve organized the campsites based on where they are found on the island (everything West of Lihue, East of Lihue and then the North Shore). Kauai is interesting because unlike the other Hawaiian islands, you can’t actually circle the island by car. The road stops and you must hike, boat or fly to see the most beautiful coastline in the world: the Nā Pali coast.
Camping tips:
- Reserve your camping spot in advance, especially during peak seasons. With Kauai’s camping popularity, spots fill up quick!
- Wild camping, or camping without a permit, is not allowed on Kauai and park rangers frequently check and will fine you
- Camping in the mountains can get cold! So keep that in mind around Koke’e
Types of Campgrounds:
Kauai features three primary campground types: State, County, and Private. Dive deeper into what each offers with our comprehensive guide on camping in Kauai.
Stay tuned as we continuously update our list with detailed reviews and reservation links for each campground. Click on an image to get more info. As of November 2023, this is the best info you can find on camping in Kauai.
West Side
Polihale State Park Campground
This is an amazing campground. It’s almost always sunny and is located at the doorstep of the famous Napali Coast.
Kokee State Park Campground
This is the perfect base for exploring both the Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks. It’s right off the main road and has good facilities. Just remember to book early!
Kawaikoi, Sugi Grove & Waikoali Campgrounds
You need a 4×4 to get to these but…they are really really awesome campgrounds located deep in the mountains of Koke’e
Book Kawaikoi, Sugi Grove & Waikoali
Camp Sloggett (Private Campground)
This is another great base for exploring Koke’e and Waimea State Parks. You have to briefly go down a dirt road, but then you arrive at a fantastic and secluded campground.
Note: Tent camping is currently unavailable (Winter 2023)
Salt Pond Park (Kauai County Campground)
A simple campground between parking lot and the beach. Fairly centrally located and the beach is fun for families. It’s a bit of a trade-off: Convenient so it’s not very secluded.
Note: Kauai has several additional backcountry campgrounds that are managed by the state around Waimea State Park. Click here for more information on additional backcountry campgrounds.
East Side
Lydgate Park (Kauai County Campground)
Just outside of Kapa’a, this is one of the most developed campgrounds on the island. Camping pads are pretty close together, but it’s nice and on the beach.
Anahola Beach Park (Kauai County Campground)
Another simple campground between the parking lot and the beach. It’s nice, but I prefer Kumu Camp at Anahola on the other side.
Kumu Camp at Anahola (Private Campground)
Kumu Camp is a great campground and right on the beach. They’re also camper van and roof top tent friendly!
North Shore
Anini Beach Park (Kauai County Campground)
The campground is a large lawn area near the beach. Lots of families camping there and a good base for north shore activities.
Camp Naue (Private Campground)
Nice campground, but does not allow booking far in advance due to events that can occupy the whole space. If things work out for you it has nice proximity to the Kalalau trail.
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
This is a backcountry camping destination which is world famous for its beauty and due to high demand has special fees and rules. Book 90 days in advance. (Or check it out by boat!)