Kauai Camping at Campgrounds / Campsites
Kauai offers diverse camping experiences across scenic beaches, lush rainforests, and mountainous terrain. With 13 designated campsites - six state-managed and seven county-managed - campers can choose between tent sites, cabins, and wilderness hikes. Permits are required for all sites, and options range from beachfront spots like Anini and Salt Pond to remote wilderness like Kalalau. This guide covers fees, rules, and how to reserve your perfect Kauai camping experience.
Camping is a popular activity on Kauai and this is not surprising considering the island's spectacular beaches, rainforests, mountains and breathtaking vistas. There are several campgrounds on Kauai, ranging from beach campsites to mountain cabins. Five of them are state campsites and the remaining four are county campsites. If you plan to camp on Kauai, no matter if at a state or county site, you will need to obtain a camping permit in advance.
Camping at a Hawaii state park on Kauai
All state camping areas are administered by the Hawaii DLNR, State Parks. Camping reservations can be made on the following website up to 90 days in advance: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/camping-lodging/kauai/
State campsites on Kauai:
Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park (has three camp sites: Hanakoa, Kalalau and Miloli'i)
Koke'e State Park
Polihale State Park
State campsite fees:
Koke'e State Park and Polihale State Park:
Hawaii residents: $20 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons
Non-residents: $30 per campsite per night for up to 10 persons
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park:
Hawaii residents: $25 per person per night
Non-residents: $35 per person per night
Special note about camping at Miloli'i Valley:
Access to Miloli'i Valley is via vessel only. A Miloli'i camping permit does not grant access into Ha'ena State Park or onto the Kalalau Trail. The maximum length of stay at Miloli'i is 3 consecutive nights.
Camping at Kauai County campsites
To get a camping permit for one of the county campsites, visit the County of Kauai website at https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Parks/Permitting/Camping
Kauai County campsites:
Anahola Beach Park: closed every Thursday from 10 am to Friday at 12 noon for maintenance
Anini Beach Park: closed every Wednesday from 10 am to Thursday at 12 noon for maintenance
Lydgate Campground: closed every Tuesday from 10 am to Thursday at 12 noon for maintenance
Salt Pond Beach Park: closed every Tuesday from 10 am to Wednesday at 12 noon for maintenance
Kauai County campsite fees:
County camping permit fees (except Lydgate) are $3 per adult per night for non-residents and free for Hawaii residents (Hawaii ID required). Children under the age of 18 years are also free and must camp with at least one adult 18 years of age or older. The fee for camping at Lydgate is $5 per day for Hawaii residents and $25 per day for non-residents.
Additional Camping Opportunities
The Lodge at Koke'e offers cabins that sleep up to six and include cooking utensils, bedding and linens. Keep in mind though that these are cabins in the mountains, located above 3,000 feet (900 m). This means temperatures can be around 50-80 F (10-27 C) in the summer and 40-70 F (4-21 C) in the winter with occasional cold snaps! High quality firewood is available for purchase, with the only heat source for the cabins being the wood burning stove. More info about the Koke'e Cabins is available at https://www.akamaihawaiiproperties.com/west-kauai-lodging-title
For more camping opportunties, check out Kumu Camp, YMCA Camp Naue and Camp Sloggett.
Kumu Camp info can be found on kumucamp.org
YMCA Camp Naue info can be found on ymcaofkauai.org/CampNaue.html
Camp Sloggett info can be found on ywcakauai.org/camp-sloggett/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to camp on Kauai?
Yes, all state and county campsites on Kauai require advance camping permits, even for residents.
Where are the best beach camping spots?
Popular county beach campsites include Anini Beach Park, Salt Pond Beach Park, Anahola Beach Park, and Lydgate Campground.
How do I get to Miloli'i Valley campsite?
Miloli'i is accessible by ocean vessel only. A camping permit does not grant access to the Kalalau Trail or Ha'ena State Park.
Are there cabins available for non-tent campers?
Yes, Koke'e Lodge offers rustic mountain cabins with bedding and wood-burning stoves for a cozy, off-grid experience.