Moke Lake Campsite
Queenstown
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Moke Lake Campsite
This is a peaceful campsite beside a small lake. Go boating, swimming, fishing or canoeing on the lake. Walk or mountain bike from Moke Lake to Lake Dispute (a 2 hour walk).
Go boating, swimming, fishing or canoeing on the lake. Walk or mountain bike from Moke Lake to Lake Dispute (2 hour walk).
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Fees
Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Infant (0–4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
The DOC Campsite Pass cannot be used at this campsite.
Notices
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Campsite pass no longer accepted
Campsite passes will no longer be accepted at this campsite from 4 November 2024.
First published on 29 October 2024.
DOC Campsite Pricing
Moke Lake Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
DOC Standard Campsite
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
| Feature | Value | Value |
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| Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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5.0/5
An absolute winter fave!
We just spent a week here, were mostly the only ones and it is stunning!!! Lots of space to spread out, great views and so peaceful this time of year. Heard it’s packed in peak season! The walk around the lake is a must do. Boil-first water is here, but turned off in winter and there are loos, didn’t use these though. No phone signal, Starlink works good though. If you’re big, we’re 7-metres, bigger than us, check out the entry road before you do it. Very few places to pull over and we did meet traffic on entry and exit, and every so often big trucks come down! Great spot though! We’ll be back! Find us on YouTube if you’re touring TASMAN TRAVELS
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4.5/5
One of the nicest DOC sites I've stayed at.
Stunning surroundings, lots of grass and trees, lovely friendly doc hosts.
Absolutely loads of space so it was a bit odd when a large group chose to camp right next to me. Several large groups and some playing annoying loud music at night and first thing in the morning. I guess people come here for a weekend away from Queenstown but if you want to party then go somewhere else please.
Walk around Moke Lake made it perfect.
Dirt road was a bit rough and I wouldn't want to do it at night.
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5.0/5
Best DOC campsite we stayed at.
Lots of sites to choose from and lots of space. Great clean drop toilets and washing up facilities. Wonderful views and outlook, access to walks. However watch out on the road there - it's long and narrow gravel, which is fine except some drivers go fast and don't move over which can be frustrating and dangerous.
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4.5/5
Excellent campvan site We did it in winter and Washington amazing, alone, surrounded by snow The spot is beautiful The access road rally easy
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4.0/5
The road up is quite dusty with some uneven surfaces but wasn’t a problem for our escapecamper van.
The lake is beautiful and there are lots of places to park with great views and really peaceful. The walk around the lake itself was shorter than the displayed time. No phone signal at all.
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4.5/5
Nice campside, 15$ cheap for being close to Queenstown .
Good dumping toilets, water and soap for cleaning your hands and dishes. Water not drinkable.
Friendly owner :) had a nice chat with him :)
Surrounding is lovely.
Sandflies Like everywhere in NZ . What I didn't like was the way of payment. It's a bit confusing and you have to pay cash and to have it . I only had 20$ and couldn't change it. So paid 20$ ... Ability to pay with card would be great.
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4.5/5
Such a beautiful spot - the views were one of the best we experienced during our trip.
Long drop toilets were ok but full of flies!
Looks like there was a new outdoor shelter which had sinks to wash dishes. No drinking water though and recommend to boil water before using.
Quite a lot of insects so would recommend bug spray. Got quite cold in the morning as the sun took a while to get over the mountains.
Only 20 min drive from centre of Queenstown.
Would recommend bringing cash but the rangers do come round and should be able to get signal to pay by card if needed.
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4.0/5
Place was CROWDED in mid January and we were “lucky” to get a bunch of latecomers who set up camp right next to us proceeding to partying til we had to ask them (politely and unpolitely) to shut the F
*** up at around midnight. Ugh. The views were fine but we were mostly cooking in the sun til it went away at around 8:30 pm. Queenstown was also crowded so we ran away fast, so in general a not-so-good all around experience. I’d say stay away in the busy January days (we get it, having lived in places with similar circumstances in the US West—short summer months with loads of tourists, locals wanting to do their thing). Ugh.
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5.0/5
This place was so beautiful.
Surrounded by mountains and the sounds of different farm animals. We went in our sedan rental and although it was a bumpy ride we made it. The people working there stay over the summer and are very friendly and knowledgable.
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4.0/5
Nice and quiet this time of year.
Only 2 other campers here. Sites are not flat and be careful of vehicles driving through the scratchy shrubs. Good fresh smelling long drop toilets. $15per person. Walk around the lake. Took 90 minutes. Felt so remote but 20 minutes from Queenstown. Part of the road in is single lane.
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5.0/5
Magic spot that’s a quick easy drive from Queenstown.
We had a camper van that handled the road no problem. The lake is stunning. The reflections of the mountains are magic. We mountain biked the track after tea. Lovely ride. Clean well maintained DOC facilities. I thought it was expensive compared to other DOC sites but it is on private land so maybe they have to pay the owners to maintain the road.
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3.0/5
No running water at least in early June in neither bathrooms nor kitchen area.
No drinking water provided. Very empty when we went. Cheap place to stay within 20 minute drive from Queenstown. As you get close to the site the road is gravely. Good for 4WD but we slowly made it in our minivan.
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5.0/5
An absolute winter fave!
We just spent a week here, were mostly the only ones and it is stunning!!! Lots of space to spread out, great views and so peaceful this time of year. Heard it’s packed in peak season! The walk around the lake is a must do. Boil-first water is here, but turned off in winter and there are loos, didn’t use these though. No phone signal, Starlink works good though. If you’re big, we’re 7-metres, bigger than us, check out the entry road before you do it. Very few places to pull over and we did meet traffic on entry and exit, and every so often big trucks come down! Great spot though! We’ll be back! Find us on YouTube if you’re touring TASMAN TRAVELS
-
4.5/5
One of the nicest DOC sites I've stayed at.
Stunning surroundings, lots of grass and trees, lovely friendly doc hosts.
Absolutely loads of space so it was a bit odd when a large group chose to camp right next to me. Several large groups and some playing annoying loud music at night and first thing in the morning. I guess people come here for a weekend away from Queenstown but if you want to party then go somewhere else please.
Walk around Moke Lake made it perfect.
Dirt road was a bit rough and I wouldn't want to do it at night.
-
5.0/5
Best DOC campsite we stayed at.
Lots of sites to choose from and lots of space. Great clean drop toilets and washing up facilities. Wonderful views and outlook, access to walks. However watch out on the road there - it's long and narrow gravel, which is fine except some drivers go fast and don't move over which can be frustrating and dangerous.
-
4.5/5
Excellent campvan site We did it in winter and Washington amazing, alone, surrounded by snow The spot is beautiful The access road rally easy
-
4.0/5
The road up is quite dusty with some uneven surfaces but wasn’t a problem for our escapecamper van.
The lake is beautiful and there are lots of places to park with great views and really peaceful. The walk around the lake itself was shorter than the displayed time. No phone signal at all.
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4.5/5
Nice campside, 15$ cheap for being close to Queenstown .
Good dumping toilets, water and soap for cleaning your hands and dishes. Water not drinkable.
Friendly owner :) had a nice chat with him :)
Surrounding is lovely.
Sandflies Like everywhere in NZ . What I didn't like was the way of payment. It's a bit confusing and you have to pay cash and to have it . I only had 20$ and couldn't change it. So paid 20$ ... Ability to pay with card would be great.
-
4.5/5
Such a beautiful spot - the views were one of the best we experienced during our trip.
Long drop toilets were ok but full of flies!
Looks like there was a new outdoor shelter which had sinks to wash dishes. No drinking water though and recommend to boil water before using.
Quite a lot of insects so would recommend bug spray. Got quite cold in the morning as the sun took a while to get over the mountains.
Only 20 min drive from centre of Queenstown.
Would recommend bringing cash but the rangers do come round and should be able to get signal to pay by card if needed.
-
4.0/5
Place was CROWDED in mid January and we were “lucky” to get a bunch of latecomers who set up camp right next to us proceeding to partying til we had to ask them (politely and unpolitely) to shut the F
*** up at around midnight. Ugh. The views were fine but we were mostly cooking in the sun til it went away at around 8:30 pm. Queenstown was also crowded so we ran away fast, so in general a not-so-good all around experience. I’d say stay away in the busy January days (we get it, having lived in places with similar circumstances in the US West—short summer months with loads of tourists, locals wanting to do their thing). Ugh.
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5.0/5
This place was so beautiful.
Surrounded by mountains and the sounds of different farm animals. We went in our sedan rental and although it was a bumpy ride we made it. The people working there stay over the summer and are very friendly and knowledgable.
-
4.0/5
Nice and quiet this time of year.
Only 2 other campers here. Sites are not flat and be careful of vehicles driving through the scratchy shrubs. Good fresh smelling long drop toilets. $15per person. Walk around the lake. Took 90 minutes. Felt so remote but 20 minutes from Queenstown. Part of the road in is single lane.
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5.0/5
Magic spot that’s a quick easy drive from Queenstown.
We had a camper van that handled the road no problem. The lake is stunning. The reflections of the mountains are magic. We mountain biked the track after tea. Lovely ride. Clean well maintained DOC facilities. I thought it was expensive compared to other DOC sites but it is on private land so maybe they have to pay the owners to maintain the road.
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4.5/5
Clean, tidy and epic views.
Nice big site didn't feel busy even over the summer holidays. Doc seen early AM checking payment and cleaning the toilets and cooking shelter
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5.0/5
Great, well maintained campsite.
Beautiful setting and sites separated by bushes for privacy.
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4.5/5
(Travelling with husband and two small kids) Absolutely stunning view, lovely campsite.
Nice DOC ranger with some good advice on how to be ‘accepted’ by the locals. Basic facilities, don’t expect much. Expect nature at its best and the reason why ‘free’ camping is so great.
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4.5/5
Loved this place.
Beautiful and so quiet and still so close from hectic queenstown. Would go back anytime.
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5.0/5
I LOVE THIS CAMPSITE!
It’s easily my favourite. The only facility is just a public non-flushing toilet however the setting is so peaceful, beautiful and it feels really remote. It was just what I was looking for to relax and just enjoy our surroundings. Do bring some sort of insect repellant though.
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5.0/5
Stunning spot, absolutely beautiful location and lovely walk around the lake.
Horses and sheep are cool.
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5.0/5
Perfect place for scenic and tranquil camping with 3 generations of our family.
Close to town yet tons of space in beautiful, pure wilderness. Basic facilities completely adequate. Has not got big shade trees but plenty of smaller bushes. Insect repellent a good idea. Walk around the lake lovely and just right for kiddies to get a feel for tramping. Lake nice for swimming in hot January weather. Camp wardens Roy and Dorita went out of their way to be helpful and friendly, very much appreciate their contribution to making our stay at Moke Lake so memorable.
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5.0/5
Absolute heaven.
Brilliant views, lovely walk/jog around the lake (2hrs) our fave camping spot so far. (With a small tent)
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5.0/5
A bit of a drive along a gravel road from the highway, but a gorgeous site with lovely views.
Facilities were basic but clean. One of the best places we stayed. Get up early and walk around the lake, it was beautiful.
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5.0/5
Unpowered site cost $26 for 2 pax, we only had a twenty and a tenner but the park ranger left us change on our windscreen in the morning which was a pleasant surprise.
Toilets were a bit rank but were cleaned in the morning.
Wouldn't have found this spot without the Rankers App, so it was very peaceful and unspoiled. There's a paddock of friendly retired race horses that will come up and say g'day. Views are amazing especially at dusk. Fav spot on our 10 day trip, cheers
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4.0/5
Long drop toilets generAlly ok but lots of flies one day.
Beautiful location
Gravel road bumpy but ok in a van
Lots of sheep around (sheep safari vibe) , big spaces and lovely rural setting. Taps and covered area but no “kitchen” Perhaps not lots of facilities for 13$pp but beautiful secluded location
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5.0/5
Probably one of the most stunning campsites going.
Wall to wall hills and mountains. Totally secluded and with a great little lake in the middle. Heaps of room for tents to be spread all over the place so you have plenty of choice. Lake is frequented by locals during the day for recreation but quiet at night. Facilities are clean but basic, as per a normal DOC campsite. 13 bucks per person but totally worth the little extra. Gravel road to get to but its in good condition. Can get cold at night even in summer so keep that in mind, the only disadvantage to being surrounded by mountains is the sun disappears early on. Highly recommend this place.
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5.0/5
This was absolutely the best place we stayed in 10 days - and the last night annoyingly!!!
We got there early, about midday, which would be my tip to get a perfect secluded spot by the lake. Be prepared for a bumpy 30 mins getting too it but it's not steep, just bumpy. Swam in the lake a couple of times (it's January) and we could hear other people around but hardly saw a soul, so you get the illusion at least of camping in the wild. Your pass isn't valid, which is a bit annoying, and they def check you've paid!!!! Put a good bit of deet on and you'll be fine :)
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4.5/5
Stayed here for a night in November, what a beautiful campsite.
Not the easiest of drives down the gravel road to get there however definitely worth it. Basic toilets and no frills but what an amazing view to wake up to. Be careful of parking on the mud if it's raining as we got stuck. One other tent but felt like we were the only ones there.
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4.0/5
Very pretty amongst the mountains and next to lake (very large grass area).
Toilets only, with wash basin. Lots of sandflies. Half gravel road to get in (rough).
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4.0/5
Road is pretty crazy to get here but it’s a nice spot.
Lots of space. $13 pppn in an honesty box. We stayed in May and froze our butts off. There’s a toilet and sink, along with a questionable fountain. Lots of money for what little was provided.
