4.4 19 reviews
This is a quiet family standard campsite on the Otago coast in a bush setting. It connects with two riverside tracks.
Close to Moeraki, turn off at Horse Range Road and follow for about 4.5km to Trotters Gorge. The campsite is surrounded by mature native forest, as a result it is quite dark and the ground can be quite soft. There are some good walks to do from here through the Herbert Forest and a very clear stream flowing next to the campsite. There are a couple of fords to cross to get into the campsite, so drive in carefully.
Trotters Gorge 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
|
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston |
|
|
Categories |
|
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
|
Coordinates |
||
|
Websites |
|
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Overnight Camping Site Cost |
|
Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. |
|
Overnight Stay Rules |
|
Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
|
Campsite Managing Organisation |
|
Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.
|
|
Water Supply |
|
Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. Water is only available from a stream, so boil before using. |
|
Booking Required |
|
Booking RequiredIs 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 |
|
DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. |
|
Vehicle Access |
|
Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. Sealed access. |
|
DOC Campsite Category |
|
DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
|
Toilet |
|
ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. Long drop toilet only |
Beautiful setting
Quiet and sheltered
Good walking tracks
Spacious camping areas
Limited amenities
Some muddy areas
No mobile reception
Sign said we couldn’t camp.
Brendan Trotter
Lots of space.
Lauren
Basic DOC campsite.
Florian
I loved this place!
Rebecka
Nice idyllic place.
Juliane
Good wee campsite in a forest with a lovely river and walking tracks.
Amenities are long drop toilets.
Reviewed 12 months ago
One of my favourite campsites of all time.
It is very small, sheltered and quiet, in a dale in between beautiful rocks and trees. Amenities are limited, but the serene location makes up for it. Some sections of the campsite might get a bit wet and muddy in rainy conditions, so keep an eye our for that so you don't get stuck.
Reviewed about 1 year ago
Awesome place for stay!
Has somebody fine my shoes there ? Hoka 43size ,blue👟
Text me 02102871500
Thank you in advance
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Lots of space.
Good toilets. Nice walks to do from the site. Easy to get to. No reception though.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
Very well kept campsite.
Clean, modern long-drop toilets, picnic tables, plenty of room on level, mown grass. Good access for a large vehicle. Surrounded by bush so the sun sets early 🤣. Couple of easy walks.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
Un spot bucolique, nous nous sommes baigné à la rivière juste à côté.
En revanche une voisine criait seule dans sa voirure avce la musique à fond. Celà ne nous a pas rassuré et a gâché le moment.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
Beautiful peaceful spot to spend a night.
Toilets were in good condition. Nothing else there. Walks from the site were a good start to the day.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
I loved this place!
Swam in the creek and the place is nestled with bush and just three other campers there. We took a walk to the gorge creek route that is signed and it was beautiful!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020
Modest area that is grassy, secluded, and a very short drive from boulders.
Just had long drops, but they were clean. Wasn't too busy when I was there, only 4 other cars. Zero sandflies, had a great time reading with the car open to the air.
May have difficulty accessing area during heavy rain. Light rain otherwise seemed fine.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2019
Nice spot, easy to get to and peaceful with lots of birdsong.
I can image it filling up over holidays times but I went midweek in dry weather and it was great! Would avoid in wet weather if you're tenting.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2018
Nice idyllic place.
Way to the campsite was ok with our big camper. Trotters gorge walk really good and with beautiful outlook!
Unfortunately no dustbins.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2018
Small camp, but pretty and quiet with a creekside walking track at one end.
Drop toilet and a couple of picnic tables. Closed during heavy rain due to flooding.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Nice quiet place in the forest with wet grounds.
Not accessible after heavy rain. Only facilities are clean long drops.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016
Peaceful campground, resident chickens add character!
Good but basic toilet. Some beautiful walks nearby. We came in with a big camper and were a little deterred by the description but no fording required and roads in fine condition. $6 each DOC honesty box. Beats camping beside the highway!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2016
Basic DOC campsite.
Toilets ok.
But not so many spaces if you arrive late.
Near a stream and at the start of walks.
6$ pp
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2013
Good wee campsite in a forest with a lovely river and walking tracks.
Amenities are long drop toilets.
Reviewed 12 months ago
One of my favourite campsites of all time.
It is very small, sheltered and quiet, in a dale in between beautiful rocks and trees. Amenities are limited, but the serene location makes up for it. Some sections of the campsite might get a bit wet and muddy in rainy conditions, so keep an eye our for that so you don't get stuck.
Reviewed about 1 year ago
Awesome place for stay!
Has somebody fine my shoes there ? Hoka 43size ,blue👟
Text me 02102871500
Thank you in advance
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Lots of space.
Good toilets. Nice walks to do from the site. Easy to get to. No reception though.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
Very well kept campsite.
Clean, modern long-drop toilets, picnic tables, plenty of room on level, mown grass. Good access for a large vehicle. Surrounded by bush so the sun sets early 🤣. Couple of easy walks.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
Un spot bucolique, nous nous sommes baigné à la rivière juste à côté.
En revanche une voisine criait seule dans sa voirure avce la musique à fond. Celà ne nous a pas rassuré et a gâché le moment.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
Beautiful peaceful spot to spend a night.
Toilets were in good condition. Nothing else there. Walks from the site were a good start to the day.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
I loved this place!
Swam in the creek and the place is nestled with bush and just three other campers there. We took a walk to the gorge creek route that is signed and it was beautiful!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020
Sign said we couldn’t camp.
I think there had been rain a few days before that may have flooded the road a bit.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2019
Modest area that is grassy, secluded, and a very short drive from boulders.
Just had long drops, but they were clean. Wasn't too busy when I was there, only 4 other cars. Zero sandflies, had a great time reading with the car open to the air.
May have difficulty accessing area during heavy rain. Light rain otherwise seemed fine.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2019
Nice spot, easy to get to and peaceful with lots of birdsong.
I can image it filling up over holidays times but I went midweek in dry weather and it was great! Would avoid in wet weather if you're tenting.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2018
Nice idyllic place.
Way to the campsite was ok with our big camper. Trotters gorge walk really good and with beautiful outlook!
Unfortunately no dustbins.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2018
Small camp, but pretty and quiet with a creekside walking track at one end.
Drop toilet and a couple of picnic tables. Closed during heavy rain due to flooding.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Nice quiet place in the forest with wet grounds.
Not accessible after heavy rain. Only facilities are clean long drops.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016
Peaceful campground, resident chickens add character!
Good but basic toilet. Some beautiful walks nearby. We came in with a big camper and were a little deterred by the description but no fording required and roads in fine condition. $6 each DOC honesty box. Beats camping beside the highway!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2016
Basic DOC campsite.
Toilets ok.
But not so many spaces if you arrive late.
Near a stream and at the start of walks.
6$ pp
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2013
Nice, quiet location - had fighting possums in the trees!
This ground gets quite wet after rain so you need to look around for a dryish tent site. Vans should find it OK. Too many people leave their litter laying around - clean up around your site & help everyone out.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2012
Good situation but wet, sloping ground.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2011