Camping in Kauai - State and Private Campgrounds

Kauai has four campgrounds located in its stateThe other campground in Koke`e State Park is Camp
parks. Two of these, both located in upland forestSloggett, named after the family who donated this
meadows are easily accessible by car, one, on ato the YWCA in 1938. This includes the tent sites
beach, is best reached by four-wheel, and the fourth(with showers and restrooms), a charming 1925 built
is a backpacker's campground at the end of the Nalodge along with the bunkhouse (hostel) and beautiful
Pali's 11-mile trail.grounds, all maintained by the Kauai YWCA. This is a
Koke`e State Park - Mosquito Free, Upland Campingfun place to stay - you'll feel like your back at
on Kauaisummer camp! There's a historical fire pit with seats
Two campgrounds are found here in Koke`e Statefor 40 and lots of activities.
Park's cool and misty uplands just a few miles fromThe campground's rates are significantly higher than
the desert dry Waimea Canyon. Many of the Statethe Koke`e State Campground: $10 per person
Park's numerous hiking trails begin near theopposed to $5 per site, but this is a really fun and
campgrounds and meander through fragrant cedarnice place for families, while the Koke`e State Park
and eucalyptus forests, under ancient koa andcampground and private cabins mainly attract hunters
towering redwoods and past fragrant blossoms andand backpackers.
succulent fruit.Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
It's not what you might expect from a tropicalThis is backcountry camping for experienced
vacation, but it is a very beautiful rainforest and forbackpackers and hikers. It is set on the Na Pali's
those interested in Hawaii's flora and fauna verystunning rugged coastline at the 11-mile turn around
intriguing. The area is steeped in legend and alsopoint for the Kalalau Trail. Camping fee: $10, and
home to one of the island's most magnificent vistasinstead of per site as with the other two, it's per
that opens up to the Na Pali. And an extra bonus -person on the Na Pali.
the mosquitos don't care much for the coolness, soCamping on the Beach at Kauai's Polihale State Park
you will rarely see one, but you will see lots ofThis Polihale State Park campground is located on a
colorful birds that also appreciate the mosquito freestrikingly gorgeous white sand beach on the sun
climes.drenched west side of the island near where the Na
The temperature typically dips into the 40s at nightPali Coast ends. It is an extension of Barking Sands
up here at 3,600 feet, so bring or rent warm sleepingBeach and has huge sand dunes, as tall as 100 feet in
bags (or stay in one of the well heated cabins,places.
cottages or YWCA hostel). The temperatures areThe downsides to this campground: you need to
quite pleasant in the daytime, and you will likely onlytraverse about 5 miles on a pot hole ridden dirt road.
want a lightweight rain jacket.Most don't go here without 4-wheel drive.
Koke`e State Park CampgroundThe other downside is that this is not a safe
The State Park campground is situated in a longswimming beach due to its treacherous currents.
meadow bordered by tall evergreens. The Koke`eThere is the possibility of swimming in Queen's Bath,
Natural History Museum and main office of thea rock lined pool on the south end, but Queen's Bath
privately run Koke`e Lodge (with a restaurant/bar)is only safe when the surf is small or the ocean is
also are right here. Like most of Hawaii's State Parkcalm. Otherwise it is very dangerous. And there's no
camp sites, it's only $5 per tent site for the night.lifeguard at this beach.
Camping permits can be booked up to a year inOn the upside: the setting is as mentioned awesome
advance. If you're not ok with getting up earlyand you'll have romantic sunsets, views of the Na
though, this may not be the place for you - thePali, shore fishing (when it's calm), restrooms, picnic
resident roosters crow at dawn.shelters, camping areas, outdoor showers and
Camp Sloggettdrinking water. Camp sites here are $5 per night.