Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Analysis

7 Rankers Reviews

Suggest an Edit

Write Review

Maps

FREE

Camping NZ NEW

Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.

Open Map

Location in Kimbolton

Camping near Palmerston North

Web_camping_map_manawatu_wanganui_overview

Photos

Information

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Bartletts Ford is a 0.6250ha reserve with the river running alongside. It is popular for casual summer recreation with river access, swimming and freedom camping. Dogs are permitted unleashed but under control on the reserve. A lovely scenic spot to stop, relax and enjoy yourself.

This is very basic camp site where you will need to bring everything with you. There is no running water and the public toilet is open from 1 November through to 31 March (though it may be longer depending on weather).

Freedom Camping in a Self-Contained Vehicle is permitted at any time of the year. Any non-Self-Contained Freedom Camping is only permitted during the period from Labour Weekend until Easter

Bartletts Ford is located on Terrace Road, Pohangina.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

Manawatu District Council

Council organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North

Categories

Freedom Camping

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-40.0660333

175.80135

Latitude
-40.0660333
Longitude
175.80135

Feature	Value	Info
Overnight Camping Site Cost	Free Camping Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities.	Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities.
Overnight Stay Rules	Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must have either a 'blue warrant' certificate of self-containment, or a 'green warrant' certificate of self-containment.	Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must have either a 'blue warrant' certificate of self-containment, or a 'green warrant' certificate of self-containment.
Maximum Stay Duration	5 nights Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 5 nights You may not stay more than five nights in a row at this campsite. in a 30 day period	Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 5 nights You may not stay more than five nights in a row at this campsite. in a 30 day period
Booking Required	First Come, First Served Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.	Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.
Dogs	Dogs allowed Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. When stock are grazing the reserve then dogs must be on a leash.	Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. When stock are grazing the reserve then dogs must be on a leash.

Nearby

Reviews

Huge open camping area

Quiet and peaceful

Clean and tidy

Nice river nearby

Very noisy environment

No tap water

Loo facilities closed in winter

3.9 7 Reviews Analysis
Huge open camping area.
Loos closed over winter. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots of birds and friendly piwakawaka flitting around. No tap water. Close to the river. Dog had fun playing in the river. Lots.of firepits already established with rocks around the charcoal. Very clean and tidy.

Reviewed 3 months ago and experienced in June 2025

Kyla
Bartletts Ford is beautiful, green and there's a swing.
Unfortunately it's also very noisy. All day. Burnouts on the road. Quad bikes. Low flying planes starting at 6am. Munty cars coming and going. We're out of here. Still looking for somewhere quiet.

Reviewed about 1 year ago

G Ryan
Large open grassy field with two picnic tables and one long drop.
Could easily hold a couple dozen campers. You need to bring your own water. Nice river near by with a couple of small swimming holes.

Reviewed almost 3 years ago

Chuck & Betty
Best spot ever

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in December 2021

Jono
Great picnic spot, was clean and tidy with ripe blackberries to pick.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2021

Liz
Beautiful, serene, spacious place right next to river.
FYI public toilet is permanently locked until 31 October-March/April.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2020

Te Atawhai
Beautiful peaceful place by the river, plenty of room for everyone, great swimming, and a public toilet.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2019

Fiona

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Maps

Camping NZ NEW

Photos

Information

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Details

Manawatu District Council

Overnight Camping Site Cost

Overnight Camping Site Cost

Overnight Stay Rules

Overnight Stay Rules

Maximum Stay Duration

Maximum Stay Duration

Booking Required

Booking Required

Dogs

Dogs

Nearby

Reviews