Forest camping in Big Island

Hawaii’s heartland has tropical beaches, active volcanoes, and a rich cultural heritage.

91% (1346 reviews)
91% (1346 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Island

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top forest campgrounds in Big Island

91%
(273)

Luana Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Captain Cook, HI
As all the land here is born of lava, many moons ago this land began to host plants and critters. Long after, it was sculpted and a number of families and farmers have contributed to what we have today. An abundance of fruit and vegetables within sight of the ocean. Peaceful breezes and warming sun make for unparalleled tranquility. Today the land still gives back to its visitors. Come recharge. As this is agricultural lands, there are many critters. Dogs, chickens, pheasants, peacock, mongoose, and many birds. Tge invasive coqui frog is annoying to some and calming to others. The micro climate here swings from warm and dry to wet quickly. Best to always prepare for rain. There is snorkeling, beaches, local food, Cafe, BBQ, poke, fish-n-chips, grocery, Sunday farmers market and hiking nearby. It is peaceful here, but also an active farming community. As an organic farm, we put alot of effort into soil building and as such, there are soft places that will be damaged by the weight of a vehicle. Staying on the driveway is best. We will guide you to where you need to go. Our road is paved, but bumpy. Any vehicle will make it without damage if driven slowly. 1 to 4mph tops. *Be sure to avoid the camper rental companies that restrict certain roads. Aloha and have a great day.
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$45
 / night
100%
(2)

Captain Cook Coffee Cabana

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Captain Cook, HI
Immerse yourself in the verdant slopes of South Kona within the historic coffee-growing region. Our Coffee Cabana stands as the original home, known as "coffee shacks," nestled on this 6-acre permaculture coffee farm. The Cabana comprises three rooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, all ensconced within a lush jungle of tropical trees. Peek through the forest to catch glimpses of the ocean, offering a mesmerizing display of sunset hues. Please be aware that two of the bedrooms are accessible from outside of the house and do not feature internal doors to the main room. Additionally, the couch in the living room converts into a full-sized bed. Access the master bedroom through the living room, where you'll find an en suite bathtub, sink, and toilet. The second bathroom offers a rustic outdoor experience with a bathroom and shower. For your convenience, we provide beach and snorkel gear, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of South Kona without breaking the bank!
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$125
 / night
97%
(16)

House of Light Glamping & Bathhouse

2 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Hilo, HI
We have 4 pristine acres of land on the outskirts of the town of Hilo, with 3 acres of private forest, bordering on the Mauna Kea watershed, in the foothills of Mauna Loa volcano. Located in the Highlands of Waiakea Uka, at 1000-foot elevation, we are high above the humidity of Hilo. The glamping tent is situated right between the meadow and the forest. It's mostly peaceful here and it feels like being in the country. You can walk into the woods or up the road. There are no street lights, so there is a great view of the night sky. It's a great place for a Retreat, a Writer's Retreat, a Vision Quest or a Medicine Journey. We also offer Holistic and Vibrational Healing with Joy Gardner and others, and Rejuvenation through Body Work and Water in the Bamboo Bath House (see also RMAMysteryschool.com) Location: 15 minutes from the Airport, 15 minutes from Target and lots of good restaurants in Hilo, 20 minutes from Rainbow Falls, 20 minutes from Richardson Beach with great snorkeling, 20 minutes from good surfing at Honoli'i Beach Park, 40 minutes from Volcano and the Caldera.
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$40
 / night
96%
(226)

Hamakua Guesthouse

7 sites · Lodging5 acres · Pepeekeo, HI
The Hamakua Guesthouse is located on the south end of Hawaii's breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Established in 2012 we are easily accessible to all the Big Island attractions such as Volcanoes National Park (1 hour South), Waipio Valley (1 hour North), and the countless sights and adventures along the Hamakua Coast, it is the perfect location to base your Big Island adventure vacation. The legendary Akaka Falls State Park is only 4 miles away from the Hamakua House. Onomea Bay is only 4 miles away, which is the home of the Hawaii Botanical Gardens. It is an unforgettable drive to get there and the bay is a wonderful place to have a picnic. We are only 1 mile (easily walkable) from the quaint main street of Honomu, HI. This town was established in the sugar cane plantation era and remains today boasting some wonderful gift shops, two restaurants, a coffee house, and the Island's best Zip Line Tours. Guests have access to our open air full bathroom with running water and a stunning rainfall shower (located at the main house). They also have access to our covered outdoor kitchen with grills, a sink, prep space, dining area, dishes, cups, silverware, and cookware (also located at the main house).
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$19.63
 / night
95%
(407)

Hawaii Island's Best Campsites

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Naalehu, HI
This epic property was built by a Dillingham daughter and her husband in the early 80's. Transformed into a bed & breakfast in the 90's it is now known as Hawaii Island Resort. This consecutive guest review award winning facility capitalized on the 2018 eruption by starting Hawaii Island Macadamia Nut Company. The orchard has been left alone for more than 20 years with only wild pigs and poultry to tend it. This remarkable property now boasts above organic macadamia nuts just beginning to reach global markets. You can buy cheaper macadamia nuts but you can't buy better nuts. We love to share our abundance with others and opening the property to travelers that love to camp seemed like a perfect addition to our current program. We look forward to meeting you :) We have firewood. Please do not bring any outside sourced wood in. Thanks!
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$50
 / night
100%
(110)

TreeHouse in canopy of trees

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI
Learn more about this land:Aloha,I built the treehouse to be a very romantic hideaway for myself and my honey, and now that I'm renting it out, the couples and families who have stayed here, including many honeymooners have appreciated the romance of the setting and ambiance. (In fact, we had considered calling it KamaSutreehouse when setting up the website!.) It's not just romantic though it's really fun for the kids. The setting is so private, surrounded by such natural beauty that one cannot help but be inspired. My favorite romantic details are the fireplace and the bed perched high up in the loft where you're surrounded by windows looking out at the moon and stars at night and native trees, birds and cloud formations by day, the low ceilinged double futon bed approached by inside later ( which is mostly for kids) and also accessible by crawling under the Master Bed ( about 5 feet up). The Sky-Walk 90 feet out into the forest is the latest whimsical and fun additions. The location is great it's very private and quiet, hidden in the rainforest yet it's only 3 miles from Volcano Village and 5 miles from the park entrance. Some guests a never leave the Treehouse. The TreeHouse is at 2860 feet above sea level, plus 20 ft. for the TreeHouse, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is at a little over 4000 feet above seas level for the viewing of the glow from the vent at a mile distance, on the edge of the crater. For the most comprehensive information about the island and local area, I recommend the book, The Big Island Revealed. The main attraction locally, of course, is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the hiking thru lava fields, lava tubes and even across the floors of craters. Volcano Village is well known as a premier artist colony and is home to many scientists, as well. Hilo is 25 miles away and has many attractions, including a new, state of the art astronomy museum that shouldn't be missed. And of course the Island is surrounded by beautiful blue ocean and all the activities that go with that.
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$250
 / night
100%
(22)

Hawaiian Rainforest Glamping

4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Mountain View, HI
Hawaiian Rainforest Glamping is located in Fern Forest, a rural neighborhood, on three verdant acres of ōhiʻa lehua trees, tree ferns, banana plants, and fruit trees at 2100 feet. There is also a large communal kitchen (a 16' x 16' kitchen cabin) that you can use free of charge. In the summer, the greenhouse in the fenced paddock is full of vegetables. Free-ranging ducks and chickens supply eggs. There is an outdoor lounge area complete with a six-person picnic table, four hammocks, a fire pit, and torches. This is a peaceful place to relax and recuperate from the din of city life. There are no street lights, just the stars and moon after sunset. On a clear night, the sky is full of stars. Those nights are perfect for lighting a small fire pit (wood is available for a small charge). It rains often in this area and the sound is soothing to fall asleep to. The owner lives on the property premises in their own cabin, which is next to the yurt. The homestead is run by 6,000 watt solar-power and a rain-catchment system with a 4,500 gallon water tank. The yurt has its own bathroom with a flushing toilet and vanity sink. The shower (hot water) is an outdoor shower. Several places of interest are within a 1.5 hour drive. Volcano National Park is only 15 minutes away by car; Punaluʻu black sand beach is 30 minutes; Ka Lae (South Point) is about 1.5 hours; and Hoʻokena Bay is about two hours. Note—now that the the holiday season is over, the Christmas decorations have been taken down.
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$30
 / night
100%
(2)

Secluded Sunrise Cabanas

4 sites · Lodging7 acres · Naalehu, HI
Welcome to our off-grid glamping rental in beautiful Naalehu! Deep within the lush and remote agricultural landscapes of Hawaii, our food forest thrives, with its vibrant tapestry of over 100 varieties of tropical fruits, nuts, canoe plants, veggies, herbs, and medicinal plants. Surrounded on all sides by cattle fields, our secluded 8 acre property and farm is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. The farm, restaurant and cottages are 100% solar powered and ensuring an eco friendly stay. Throughout the farm, sustainable practices are followed and Permaculture techniques are employed to maximize natural resources and minimize waste, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that thrives without the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers. When it's time to unwind, step outside onto your private deck and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the top of Mauna Loa, the Ka'u Coastline, Kilauea Volcano, the Pacific Ocean and lush Hawaiian landscape. You'll also find a small outdoor seating area, where you can relax and soak up the sun, take in the expansive view, or gaze at the stars. The cottages are powered by solar energy and have an eco-friendly outdoor shower and washing station, and porta potty. We supply fresh and filtered spring water for drinking. Our glamping site is located on a private 8-acre property situated on the luscious east side of the Big Island. You'll be surrounded by a vibrant tropical oasis, teeming with wildlife and native flora. Take a guided edible farm tour, hike through the surrounding food forest, take a bike ride on our road with the best views on the island, or an off-road excursion to the Green Sand Beach. If you're looking for a unique and sustainable way to experience Hawaii, this is the perfect option for you. Come stay with us and escape the crowds and noise of civilization while enjoying luxury accommodations , incredible farm to table food, and breathtaking natural beauty. We look forward to hosting you soon! Nearby Attractions: Green Sand Beach is a unique location famous for its unusual green sand created by volcanic eruptions. It is one of the few green sand beaches in the world and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Punalu'u Beach is a beautiful black sand beach with abundant Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. South Point - The southernmost point in the USA is a popular spot for cliff diving, off-roading, fishing and taking in the epic views. Kawa Beach - a good beach for intermediate surfers with a fresh water spring and ancient Hawaiian ruins. Kahuku Unit: A section of Volcano National Park that boasts native plants, hiking trails, and spectacular views.
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$47
 / night
100%
(1)

Green Sands Beach Campground

1 site · Tent1 acre · Naalehu, HI
The land is private, located in South side in the Kau district. Hawaii Island has 11 microclimates . It is just a 33 miles from the entrance to Volcanos National park. You will experience warm tropical rain, luscious forests and coqui frogs and birds. The weather is Amazing here ...9.2 in summer and 9.3 in winter on the comfort scale. The spartan cabin has all the basics and a hot shower for your end of day relaxation. You can use the cabin for cooking and rain protection and gear storage. Your tent site can be place on multiple areas of the property. There are few neighbors, this part of Hawaii Island is country culture and local people. Aloha, Mahalo and Malama Pono are the words to live by. Tours to all of Big island Hawaii are available upon request and have there own tour rates. Green Sands Beach is a short 4x4 ride to 1 in 4 green sand beachs in the world. How Cool is that???
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$33
 / night
100%
(43)

Hakalau Springs Campground

3 sites · Tents11 acres · Honomu, HI
Come enjoy the magic of your own private waterfall while camping under the stars at Hakalau Springs Campground. Hakalau is located on the North-East side of the Big Island along the breathtaking Hamakua Coast. Surrounded by waterfalls and lush, green tropical flora, Hakalau is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect jumping off point for all things east side. Hilo town is 30 minutes south and Waipio Valley Lookout is 45 minutes North. The world-famous Akaka Falls is one neighborhood over in the quaint town of Honomu which hosts some wonderful gift shops, 2 restaurants, and a coffee house. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a little over an hour drive and the Maunakea Visitors Center is an hour and 15 minutes. Other sites and adventures include Umauma Zip lining and Botanical World Adventures (5 miles away), Onomea Bay scenic drive and Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden (8 miles away), the historic town of Honokaa (45 mins), and the beautiful cowboy town of Waimea (1 hour). Hakalau Springs Campground sits on 11 acres with two springs bordering the property with a variety of fruit trees and farm animals to interact with. We offer basic campsites with picnic tables, drinking water, a fire pit, a composting toilet, and a pop-up tent in case it rains. You will be camping on soft grass amongst giant Ironwood and eucalyptus trees while listening to the soft sounds of the creek below. Take a swim in the spring-fed waterfall swimming hole and relax by the fire pit at night. We also offer our beautiful 2 room tent fully furnished with a queen-sized air mattress, cozy bedding, lantern, and camping lounge chairs. Cooler upon request, you provide the ice. We’re blessed to be located on the rainy side of the island because of all the abundance and greenery the rain brings. That being said, please be prepared for the weather. It can rain hard at times so having a good rain jacket is a great idea. On the other hand, people say that a sunny day on the east side of the big island is the best place to be in all of Hawaii. Come stay at Hakalau Springs Campground and discover “off the beaten path” Hawaii.
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$45
 / night

Pakele Ho'omoana (Escape Camp)

8 sites · Tents1 acre · Eden Roc, HI
Our property features a beautiful fern and Ohia forest that before our development remained entirely untouched and undeveloped. The last lava flow in Eden Roc occurred 300-400 years ago. The flows from the 1790 eruption covered a wide area from the summit of Kīlauea to the coast, including the subdivisions of Hawaiian Acres, Crescent Acres, Fern Forest, and Mauna Loa Estates. Because of this, all rocks on the property consists of soft basalt and a healthy layer of soil in majority. The forest is very dense, and guests are urged to stay on the provided trails as some areas of the property have features created from previous lava flows moving around trees, which have since rotted; leaving behind large holes in the ground that can pose as a safety hazard. Please be aware of this when visiting! We are unaware of any underground features such as lava tubes or caverns but are present in the community of Eden Roc.
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$15
 / night
Booked 6 times

Camp Pua Loke

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Mountain View, HI
The coordinates are (19.49746° N, 155.14574° W) This property has no physical address. These coordinates will bring you right to the front of the property. You’ll pass a red house on the left then my property is the jungled lot right past it. There is plenty of space to park and set up a tent. When arriving at the property from the Hilo direction/East, you’ll turn right on Lehuanani St. then take the first left onto a dirt road. It has no sign. Long term camping and vehicle storage available. Discover the untouched beauty of Camp Pua Loke, a pristine .41-acre jungle retreat nestled in the heart of Mountain View, Hawaii. Perfect for the adventurous soul, this off-the-grid camping sanctuary offers a true return to nature. With no amenities on-site, campers are encouraged to fully embrace the wilderness, packing in and out all necessary supplies. We welcome both tent camping and RV/car camping, providing a versatile experience for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Revel in the tranquility of the surrounding jungle, the warmth of a campfire under a starlit sky, and the freedom to explore Hawaii’s wilds. For added convenience, the vibrant town of Hilo is nearby, offering everything you could need. The closest grocery store is about 20 minutes away, while Black Sands Beach and a Beach Park with Hot Springs are both just a half-hour drive. Don't miss out on the snorkeling opportunities available in Hilo. When arriving at Lehuanani St., take the first left down a dirt road. Follow the road to the end, where you'll find the property on the left with a sign in front that says Pua Loke. It's your gateway to an authentic and adaptable camping experience.
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$5
 / night

Star Hosts in Big Island

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Forest camping in Big Island guide

Overview

Looking to experience the great outdoors in the lush forests of Big Island? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 200 camping options available specifically in Big Island, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an off-roading adventurer, or simply enjoy wildlife watching, there's something for everyone. And with popular amenities like showers, campfires, and trash facilities, you'll have all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature. Don't just take our word for it - check out the top campsites with rave reviews, such as Luana Farm (156 reviews), and Hamakua Guesthouse (118 reviews). Plus, with prices starting as low as $4 per night and an average price of $45 per night, camping in Big Island has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the beautiful forests of Big Island!

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