Big open camping area very quiet and so much room you can park in your own private area.

One of the best advertised free camping areas.

Access to the river.

Only downside was dog pooh in a couple of places.

9/10 only because of dog pooh.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

We have used this site a few times now and this trip we have used the site in early December when it was very quiet and then 2nd Dec when very busy.

Staff are great at the site with security wandering around during busy periods.

Cheap laundry.

Powered and none powered sites available.

Some full time residents on site.

For mountain bikers there are a variety of routes available from easy gravel tracks to black runs.

Stream close by which seemed popular.

Much as we stay away from big sites this one was very open friendly and no noise.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

Overnight parking by a river on solid ground with plenty of bird sounds, it is Just over the river bridge from the village so easy to wander into the village in an evening.

No one else here so ideal spot as off the tourist track. No facilities.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

We don't often use campsites as fully self contained but this site looked a good position to sea kayak from, and I also wanted to fit a solar panel to my motorhome.

At $15 per person per night it was cheap enough especially with electric hook up, water tap near pitch and excellent toilet shower (token) facilities and a common room with fridge freezer, cooker, microwave, seating, wifi (pay) books to swap, TV etc really well set up. Site was a really good find especially if travelling in one of the smaller self contained vehicles.

Booking in was easy, site was quiet (4th Dec) amazing stars at night and so quiet, shame about the rain in the morning oh and the tractor digging a trench at 8am (its site services being laid in next few days so wont be a problem)

Overall great site, next to the sea with launching area and very quiet. There are permanent caravans so maybe it will be busier in holiday time.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Visited this place 2 years ago in the main holiday season and it was busy but not as cramped as tonight with 13 vans.

Great location but with such a small area its too busy and not my idea of freedom camping. Last time we met two great NZ couples who we are still in contact. but tonight there are too many vans here and I'm not sure how some of the cars are self contained. Trouble is this will have a negative effect on freedom camping. Overall great location but too cramped and well used.

Problem is its near Cathedral Cove, maybe if there were a few more sites it would take pressure off this location.

6/10 due to overcrowding.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Great place next to the sea, a number of motorhomes here tonight with plenty of space between us all.

First wild camp stop this 2018/19 trip

Parking is pebbles or gravel which is fine as no chance of getting stuck on wet grass.

Noisy waves really adds to the wild location certainly our sort of camp area. The ones nearer Napier were busy and next to road and railway.

Not a place to sea kayak from as big dumping waves.

10/12/18 Back again in really nice weather oh sooo much nicer than our stay a few weeks ago it was busy but plenty of space especially at the northern end.

Great views amazing stars last night its not until you get to places like this you really appreciate just how full of stars the sky really is. Toilets clean drinking water via a drinking fountain so don't expect to fill up your van. Great view to Kidnappers cove which we had sea kayaked yesterday.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Friendly location, Earl the owner will look after you.

It rained last night and he allowed a German family to camp and cook inside a barn area on site at no extra cost. Great views across the bay, its' a basic site but great price, what more do you need other than friendly no nonsense place. Steep concrete drive in but plenty of flat areas to camp and park. BBQ area available seating indoors and outdoors.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Amazing spot, so nice walking on the beach then sitting out when dark listening to the sea.

Cold water shower available. Toilets nearby. Spaces are tight between the freedom camping poles certainly no good if one van goes over into another area. But then there is no sign saying park in a line so I presumed area was the grass also in front of the poles. Would have been nice to chat to other travellers but the Dutch and New Zealanders sat in vans watching TV seems such a waste on such an amazing spot. Going to enjoy going sea kayaking from here today.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

$10 adult night honesty box please use it to keep these places open, it is easier for locals to close these places than keep them open.

Lakeside car park. Recycle bins (emptied about 9.30am). Toilets with water tap to connect hose pipe, it does say boil water for 3 mins, we never drink water from tank so ideal for filling and using as showers. Quiet site, level with spaces, also in the shade. 9 vans last night and still plenty of room. Bench seats by water side so great for evening meal seating. Good place for kayaking, boating, mountain biking or visit to Rotorua.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

About 10 other vans here.

Close to the sea, oh yes on three sides, quiet, plenty of restaurants near by and best of all for us is the Hawkes bay canoe club for going out with the club and canoeing and kayaking.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Great location, amazing view of the sea and lighthouse with direct access to the beach, nice windy walk to the lighthouse, also another walk along the coast.

Shop close by which also sells fish and chips. Motorhomes allowed 5pm to 9am with max of 4 days stay.

Great place for surfing, kayaking, boating

Spoke to a local guy and he was saying when he first lived here and started work he asked a guy if it was always this windy..... The reply was ' not always sometimes it even windier'

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Don, many thanks for letting us use your amazing campsite, met some great people on site, the sound of the river (even in flood) is relaxing though the wind which came through on the night we stayed did

keep us awake. Great pitches with water tap and picnic bench, composting toilet and fresh vegetables. If you want to meet interesting travellers then this is the place, if on the other hand you shut up your van and watch the TV then please go elsewhere. A traditional campsite run by a friendly guy. Just loved your parting words 'have a great life' oh yes we intend to by visiting such great places along our ever changing path.

Reviewed over 7 years ago