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Camping guide · updated 16 Oct 2026
Camping in Waikato
DOC lists 7 campsites in Waikato. 3 are free and 4 can be reached by car. Cheapest first.
Free campsites (3)
| Campsite | Type and fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Piropiro Campsite Pureora Forest Park | Basic Free | drive-in, first come, first served |
| Central Clearing Campsite Pirongia Forest Park | Basic Free | walk-in, first come, first served |
| Kaniwhaniwha Campsite Pirongia Forest Park | Basic Free | walk-in, first come, first served |
Standard campsites (3)
| Campsite | Type and fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Arohena Campsite Lake Arapuni Conservation Area | Standard $10–20 per adult | drive-in, bookable |
| Kakaho Campsite Pureora Forest Park | Standard $10–20 per adult | drive-in, bookable |
| Ngaherenga Campsite Pureora Forest Park | Standard $10–20 per adult | drive-in, bookable |
Backcountry and Great Walk campsites (1)
| Campsite | Type and fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pahautea Hut Campsite Pirongia Forest Park | Backcountry Varies, see DOC page | walk-in, bookable |
Campsite list: Department of Conservation open data (CC BY 4.0), refreshed weekly. Fees are DOC’s published category fees; some campsites differ and prices can change. Always check the DOC page for alerts and closures before you go.
Plan the rest of the trip
Find a campsite by region → Packing checklist Cheap car hire
Questions
Are there free campsites in Waikato?
Yes, 3 DOC basic campsites in Waikato are free.
How many DOC campsites are in Waikato?
7, from DOC's campsite data (updated weekly).
Do I need to book?
Many standard and serviced DOC campsites need booking, especially in summer. Basic campsites are usually first come, first served.
More camping guides: all camping guides