Basic Camping

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Basic Campsites

Camping with just the bare essentials in some of the most beautiful locations across NZ. Expect a non-flush toilet that's intermittently serviced. Anything more is a bonus.

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92 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 2 of 4.

South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷

Mill Flat Campsite

Mount Richmond Forest Park

4.4 1 review

Pine Valley, Mount Richmond Forest Park

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Lake Maraetai Camping Reserve

Mangakino

4.3 41 reviews

Free camping on the Mangakino Recreation reserve on the shore of Lake Maraetai.

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷

Bucks Road Campsite

Tararua Forest Park

4.3 30 reviews

Enjoy the picturesque campsite above the Tauherenikau River amongst regenerating bush. Camp at the roadend or walk approx 150 m along the track...

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

St Bathans Campsite

4.2 14 reviews

A basic campsite in a remote and historic area, explore the St Bathans township of mountain bike the Otago Rail Trail. Primo.

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Thicket Burn Campsite

Lake Hauroko

4.2 14 reviews

Just 5km's from New Zealand's deepest lake. This campsite is a bit off the beaten track and it's quite a long drive along a gravel road to get...

North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷

Urchin Campsite

Kaimanawa Forest Park

4.1 20 reviews

Urchin Camping Ground is quite and remote. A great place to base yourself and cycle Tree Trunk Gorge, the Pillars of Hercules or go tramping...

North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷

Kaimanawa Road Campsite

Kaimanawa Forest Park

4.1 18 reviews

This camping ground is at the edge of the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It is situated in a wicked setting high above the river. Heaps of tramps start...

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Rosie Bay Campsite

Te Urewera

4.1 9 reviews

Camp at the shore of Lake Waikaremoana in a secluded bay with stunning views. This is a popular campsite and a good base for lake activities.

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Port Albert Wharf Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.1 8 reviews

A maximum of 10 self-contained vehicles can stay overnight in the area designated for freedom camping. If you want to stay overnight in this...

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Pourerere Beach Freedom Camping

4.1 6 reviews

From mid December until mid February each year a ‘permit application fee' applies. For the rest of the year permits must be obtained from Council...

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷

Trout Pools Reserve

Okere Falls

4.1 28 reviews

CAMPING AT END OF ROAD, NOT FIRST CARPARK Only self-contained campervans/motorhomes permitted to stay overnight Space for 5 campervans/motorhomes...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

St James Homestead Camping Ground

4.1 7 reviews

· Basic facility - Free camping · 6-10 sites · Water supply · Dogs ok · Vehicle access · Toilet

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Mimiha Campsite

4.1 6 reviews

Basic campsite near the stream - nice place to picnic or camp

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

(Te tōpuni ki te Tāhuna o Pouawa)

Pouawa Beach

Freedom Camping

4.1 6 reviews

Camping at Pouawa Beach is from 23 October - 30 April. You must have a permit before you set up camp. Apply here online There's no charge...

Camping NZ App

All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

(Te tōpuni ki te Tāhuna o Waihau)

Waihau / Loisels Beach Freedom Camping

4.1 2 reviews

Temporarily CLOSED this season - 2023-2024 Camping at Waihau Beach - Loisels is from 23 October - 30 April. You must have a permit before...

Temporarily CLOSED this season...

South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷

Monowai Campsite

Lake Monowai

4 29 reviews

Monowai Camping Ground is a free DOC campsite beside a beautiful lake. There is a huge gravel parking area next to the boat ramp for large vehicles...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Mid Okahu Road Campsite

Whirinaki Forest Park

4 5 reviews

There are two sites to camp on Okahu Road, the road end and the larger mid-Okahu camp (formerly known as Grader Camp), they are about 7km apart...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Pandora Campsite

Te Paki Recreation Reserve

4 5 reviews

Accessible on foot only, no drive in access. A perfect place for fishing and relaxing.

Pandora Campsite is Currently...

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Tokoroa Memorial Sports Grounds

Overnight Campervan Parking

4 1 review

Freedom camping is restricted to Self-Contained Vehicles only; Maximum of two consecutive nights in any calendar month; Freedom camping is restricted...