Basic Camping

Kerosene Creek, Rotorua

PhotoVaughan Brookfield

AccommodationCamping Grounds

Basic Campsites

Camping with just the bare essentials in some of the most beautiful locations across NZ. Expect a non-flush toilet that's intermittently serviced. Anything more is a bonus.

16 items with the highest ranking score first

Secluded campsites

South IslandNelson Region

Buller Campground

Lake Rotoiti

4.9 41 reviews

The camping grounds at West Bay (Jetty and Buller) are beaut little sites on the western side of Lake Rotoiti. Open from December to April they...

Chill out at the Coldwater Stream Campsite

South IslandNelson Region

4.9 2 reviews

A basic campsite accessible to 4WD and mountain bikes. The toll road from St Arnaud and Coldwater Stream is open from Boxing Day through until...

The reservoir below

South IslandNelson Region

4.6 20 reviews

A long and windy road up alongside the Takaka River (good swimming holes can be found) to the hydro power station. From there the road leads up...

Top toilet facilities near the lake edge

South IslandNelson Region

4.6 13 reviews

The campsite is open from late November to the end of April.

Totaranui Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

4.5 91 reviews

Large DOC campsite, basic facilities

South IslandNelson Region

4.5 72 reviews

Kina Beach Reserve is an awesome spot next to the water. It is split into two: a day area, and a camping area. Works on a first come, first...

South IslandNelson Region

Kerr Bay Campsite

Lake Rotoiti

4.5 58 reviews

Kerr Bay Campsite is next to Lake Rotoiti, surrounded by beech forest, with a boat launching ramp nearby.

Siberia Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Siberia Flat Campsite

Kahurangi National Park

4.4 4 reviews

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

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Cannon Downs Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Canaan Downs Campsite

Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve

4.3 28 reviews

Remote DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

Anatori Beach

South IslandNelson Region

4.3 18 reviews

Absolutely Stunning West Coast Freedom Camp

South IslandNelson Region

Lyell Campsite

Buller Gorge

3.9 43 reviews

This is a very easily accessible campsite just off the main highway. It is set in a large grassy area in the historic gold-rush town of Lyell...

South IslandNelson Region

Teetotal Campsite

Nelson Lakes National Park

3.9 21 reviews

Convenient campsite to Nelson Lakes and the St. Arnard village

Boat action - Lake Rotoroa

South IslandNelson Region

Lake Rotoroa Campsite

Nelson Lakes National Park

3.8 28 reviews

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

Kawatiri Junction

South IslandNelson Region

Kawatiri Campsite

Kawatiri area

3.8 22 reviews

The Kawatiri Junction Camping Ground is handily placed near the main state highway and provides an ideal stop over between Nelson and the West...

Owen River

South IslandNelson Region

3.6 22 reviews

A huge recreation area that is managed by a group of local residents. A good place to chill out and use facilities - there are a bunch of activities...

Courthouse Flat Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Courthouse Flat Campsite

Kahurangi National Park

2.2 2 reviews

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities