Introduction
I wholeheartedly recommend Kumu Camp as one of the best campgrounds to stay at on the island. It is well maintained and has a prime location for exploring both the East side and North Shore of Kauai. Being situated right on the beach, you have a lot to enjoy as soon as you step out of your tent or campervan! Speaking of which, it is one of the most campervan, truck camper and rooftop tent-friendly campgrounds on the island.
Campground Amenities:
- Flushing toilets
- Hot Showers
- Intermittent Wifi
- Drinking Water
- Fire pits
- Picnic Tables
- Trash Cans
- Cell Reception
How to Get to Kumu Camp
If you’re coming up from Kapaa, drive up Kuhio Highway towards Princeville. After around 5 miles you’ll take a very very sharp right onto Anahola road. Drive straight until you see Poha Rd (it’s a pretty small road) and take a left. A little further ahead you’ll find the campground on your left. The road at the campground is a dirt road. The check-in process at the campground is simple: just find your campsite number, pull right in and set up camp (after 3PM).
Things to do at Kumu Camp
Kumu Camp is located in Anahola Bay. The bay is protected by a reef and the waters are usually quite calm, especially in the summer. That makes it a great place to not only sunbathe and relax, but actually jump into the water for swim and perhaps a snorkel. You’ll find more fish as you swim out a little ways. The beach in front of Kumu Camp tends to be quite empty. If you’d like to go over to an area with a lifeguard you can always walk or drive over to Anahola Beach Park. Here are a few ideas of things to do at or near the campground:
Swimming and Snorkeling
Just steps away from your accommodations at Kumu Camp, the pristine, turquoise waters of Anahola Bay beckon. Ideal for swimmers of all levels, the bay’s protective reef ensures calm waters near the shore. Right at your doorstep, the eastern side of the bay provides superb snorkeling conditions where you can admire the vibrant marine life among the shallow coral reefs. Don’t be surprised if you spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle during your underwater adventure!
Sunbathing and Relaxation
Kumu Camp offers direct access to the soft, golden sands of Anahola Beach. Set against a backdrop of lush green mountains with the soothing sounds of gentle waves, it’s the perfect setting to unwind. Whether you’re absorbed in a good book or enjoying a peaceful picnic, relaxation comes naturally here. If you brought a hammock, find two trees and set it up for peak idyllic relaxation—a favorite pastime of mine at Kumu Camp.
Kayaking
Enhance your stay at Kumu Camp with a kayaking adventure along the Anahola River, which feeds into the bay right by the camp. Paddle upstream to discover a tranquil setting where the waters are calm and the surroundings are lush with tropical foliage—an excellent way to explore more secluded parts of Anahola.
Beach activities
It’s always fun to do all sorts of things on the beach and the beach at Anahola Bay is not exception. Try playing soccer or football on the sand or maybe try out spike ball. Even just a Beach Paddleball set can be a lot of fun. If you forgot anything, please consider picking something up at one of Kauai’s local thrift shops as many people will just buy what they need at Walmart and throw it away at the end of their trip (contributing to waste on the island).
Hiking Opportunities Nearby
While staying at Kumu Camp, you’re ideally positioned to explore the scenic trails of Kauai. Nearby, the Moalepe Trail offers peaceful vistas of the island, while a short drive to Kapa’a brings you to the popular Sleeping Giant trail, known for its stunning panoramic views. These trails provide a wonderful balance to the beach-focused activities right at your doorstep.
Each activity at Kumu Camp, intertwined with the natural beauty of Anahola Beach Park, invites guests to immerse themselves in the splendid outdoors of Kauai in their own distinctive way. Whether it’s engaging in water sports, relaxing on the beach, or venturing out by foot or kayak, there is something special for everyone at Kumu Camp.
Kumu Camp Fees and Reservations
Kumu Camp has an easy-to-use online booking system. You can reserve your campsite as far in advance as you’d like and we would recommend making your reservation early as this can be quite a popular campground. Campsites are $25-$35 per person with a 3PM check-in and 12PM check-out time. They also have permanent tents, called tentalows for $85 per night and even a few yurts for larger groups.
You can reserve a spot on the Kumu Camp website.
Is Kumu Camp at Anahola camper van or Roof Top Tent friendly?
Yes, it is absolutely camper van, truck camper and roof top tent friendly. They have mostly flat camping sites that make it easy to pop the top on your camper van or set up your roof top tent. We usually recommend all of our renters to stay at Kumu Camp at some point during their trip due to the excellent location and how camper-friendly it is.
Kumu Camp Alternatives
While the campground is affordable and the location is great, there are some good alternatives to Anahola Beach Park. The most obvious would be the nearby private campground, Kumu Camp in Anahola.
Otherwise, you could consider heading north to one of our favorite county campgrounds, Anini Beach Park Campground or head down to Lydgate (one of the most popular and comfortable campgrounds for families).
Conclusion
Kumu Camp at Anahola is one of the best campgrounds on the island due to its central location, friendliness to camper vans and truck campers and it’s overall amenities. It was actually the first campground I ever stayed at on the island and it’s been a go-to for me ever since. I highly recommend staying at Kumu Camp and I hope that this information was helpful for you in planning for your trip.