Camping on Kauai

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Swathes of tropical rainforest, soaring coastal cliffs, and lush green valleys blanket Kauai, Hawaii’s northernmost island. If you’re looking to discover Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Garden Isle is the place to do it, whether hiking through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific," swimming beneath waterfalls, or snorkeling and surfing along golden sands. Campers can choose from an array of campgrounds with options ranging from beachside tent sites to rustic mountain cabins, and with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 74°F (24°C), camping is enjoyable year-round. If camping in winter, come prepared for rain, as Kauai gets more than its fair share of Hawaii’s wet weather.

Top-rated campgrounds

Fern Grotto Inn

1. Fern Grotto Inn

1 site · Kapaa, HI
Experience the charm of Kauai like never before at Fern Grotto Inn, where historic plantation cottages meet modern comforts in a stunning tropical setting. Nestled in the picturesque Kapaa town on the east side of the island, our vacation rentals offer a unique blend of authentic island-inspired decor and contemporary amenities, ensuring a memorable stay. Centrally located along the serene banks of the Wailua River, our property is enveloped by lush fruit trees and is just a short stroll from the beach. With Poipu and Princeville only 15 miles away, you’ll have easy access to some of Kauai’s most beautiful attractions. At Fern Grotto Inn, we go the extra mile to enhance your adventure. Guests can take advantage of our complimentary gear, including snorkeling equipment, beach essentials, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles, making it easy to explore the island’s natural beauty. Choose from our spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit or various studio options to find the perfect accommodation for your getaway. Our boutique-style atmosphere is designed to impress, ensuring you and your loved ones feel right at home in this slice of paradise. While our sun-drenched cottages invite relaxation with their fresh, island-inspired interiors, the private gardens beckon

Swathes of tropical rainforest, soaring coastal cliffs, and lush green valleys blanket Kauai, Hawaii’s northernmost island. If you’re looking to discover Hawaii’s natural wonders, the Garden Isle is the place to do it, whether hiking through the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific," swimming beneath waterfalls, or snorkeling and surfing along golden sands. Campers can choose from an array of campgrounds with options ranging from beachside tent sites to rustic mountain cabins, and with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 74°F (24°C), camping is enjoyable year-round. If camping in winter, come prepared for rain, as Kauai gets more than its fair share of Hawaii’s wet weather.

Top-rated campgrounds

Fern Grotto Inn

1. Fern Grotto Inn

1 site · Kapaa, HI
Experience the charm of Kauai like never before at Fern Grotto Inn, where historic plantation cottages meet modern comforts in a stunning tropical setting. Nestled in the picturesque Kapaa town on the east side of the island, our vacation rentals offer a unique blend of authentic island-inspired decor and contemporary amenities, ensuring a memorable stay. Centrally located along the serene banks of the Wailua River, our property is enveloped by lush fruit trees and is just a short stroll from the beach. With Poipu and Princeville only 15 miles away, you’ll have easy access to some of Kauai’s most beautiful attractions. At Fern Grotto Inn, we go the extra mile to enhance your adventure. Guests can take advantage of our complimentary gear, including snorkeling equipment, beach essentials, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles, making it easy to explore the island’s natural beauty. Choose from our spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit or various studio options to find the perfect accommodation for your getaway. Our boutique-style atmosphere is designed to impress, ensuring you and your loved ones feel right at home in this slice of paradise. While our sun-drenched cottages invite relaxation with their fresh, island-inspired interiors, the private gardens beckon

Public campgrounds in and near Kauai

Other options in and near Kauai

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping on Kauai guide

Where to go

Na Pali & the North Coast

The rainforest-cloaked North Shore is dotted with glam resorts, sweeping bays, and coastal campgrounds. Swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing are on the menu at Anini Beach, Haena Beach, and Hanalei Black Pot Beach, all of which have campsites, while hikers can hop between sea caves and waterfalls along the Kalalau Trail. In the northwest, the Na Pali region is renowned for its soaring sea cliffs and spectacular views, with four public campsites to choose from.

West Kauai

Hikers will find their slice of Hawaiian paradise in West Kauai, where the sweeping mountain landscapes provide plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. The dramatic scenery of Waimea Canyon is the big draw for adventurers, along with nearby Kokee State Park and its modern cabins and tent sites. Prefer beachfront camping? You’ll need a permit to pitch your tent along Polihale Beach State Park, home to one of Hawaii’s longest beaches.

East Kauai

Coconut palms and sugar-white sands fringe the aptly nicknamed “Coconut Coast” of east Kauai, and you won’t have to travel far to find a beach view or a waterfall—Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls pull in the biggest crowds. Camping options are limited along this wild stretch of coast, but Anahola Beach Park on the northeast shore and Hanama'ulu Beach Park, further south, both have seafront campsites.

Lihue & the South

Sunseekers make a beeline for Kauai’s south shore, and the coast around Poipu is lined with idyllic beaches and lively resorts. The National Tropical Botanical Garden and the blowhole at Spouting Horn Beach Park are both must-sees, but you can also camp along wild beaches at Lucy Wright Beach Park or explore the salt pools and snorkeling holes at Salt Pond Beach Park. 

Top regions near Kauai