Camping Near Lihue, HI, US: 20 Best Campgrounds 2026

Named for the Hawaiian word meaning “cold chill,” Lihue is a prime destination for catching cool coastal breezes while camping on the southeastern coast of Kauai. Stay in town at beachfront campgrounds with group and RV sites equipped with picnic shelters and barbecue grills. Don’t forget to book a riverboat cruise to Fern Grotto. Or wander through lush gardens near Opaekaa Falls in Wailua River State Park, about 15 minutes outside Lihue. Stay in the area at Kauai County campgrounds that offer cabin rentals and dormitories with kitchens and amenities like bedding, hot showers, and cooking utensils. For tent camping in the backcountry, head an hour and a half across the island to Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and Kokeʻe State Park. The connecting recreational areas are famous for their cliffside hiking trails, pristine beaches, and stunning coastal views. Tent campers have access to endless island scenery as well as restrooms and hiking trails—take note that some state parks require campsite reservations six months in advance.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lihue

Fern Grotto Inn

1. Fern Grotto Inn

5.4mi from Lihue · 1 site

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

Kōkeʻe State Park

2. Kōkeʻe State Park

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(1)

1 site · Wainiha, Hawaii

Welcome to paradise! No joke, Koke’e State Park on the island of Kauai is the textbook definition of the word. Well almost anywhere on the island may fit that description, but not everywhere can you get views of the Napali Cliffs and Kalalau Valley from 4,000-feet elevation. Now that’s a view you don’t see everyday! Hit the trails to hike through native rainforest and along the rim of Waimea Canyon to arrive at some mind blowing, high elevation views. Bring the fishing pole to score some very clean trout in the rushing creeks, pick plums in the trees above, and even hunt for wild pigs in certain areas. Pitch your tent to stay awhile, and pretend you are a primitive human living off of the land in the garden of eden. You might just want to throw in the towel at your old life and live here forever more.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

3. Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park

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(14)

3 sites · Haena, Hawaii

Seeing the sacred, soul stirring natural beauty here should be at the top of everyone's bucket list.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Polihale State Park

4. Polihale State Park

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(6)

1 site · Kekaha, Hawaii

If you have the wheels to get you there, this state park will sure be a sweet reward.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Named for the Hawaiian word meaning “cold chill,” Lihue is a prime destination for catching cool coastal breezes while camping on the southeastern coast of Kauai. Stay in town at beachfront campgrounds with group and RV sites equipped with picnic shelters and barbecue grills. Don’t forget to book a riverboat cruise to Fern Grotto. Or wander through lush gardens near Opaekaa Falls in Wailua River State Park, about 15 minutes outside Lihue. Stay in the area at Kauai County campgrounds that offer cabin rentals and dormitories with kitchens and amenities like bedding, hot showers, and cooking utensils. For tent camping in the backcountry, head an hour and a half across the island to Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and Kokeʻe State Park. The connecting recreational areas are famous for their cliffside hiking trails, pristine beaches, and stunning coastal views. Tent campers have access to endless island scenery as well as restrooms and hiking trails—take note that some state parks require campsite reservations six months in advance.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lihue

Fern Grotto Inn

1. Fern Grotto Inn

5.4mi from Lihue · 1 site

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

Kōkeʻe State Park

2. Kōkeʻe State Park

100%

(1)

1 site · Wainiha, Hawaii

Welcome to paradise! No joke, Koke’e State Park on the island of Kauai is the textbook definition of the word. Well almost anywhere on the island may fit that description, but not everywhere can you get views of the Napali Cliffs and Kalalau Valley from 4,000-feet elevation. Now that’s a view you don’t see everyday! Hit the trails to hike through native rainforest and along the rim of Waimea Canyon to arrive at some mind blowing, high elevation views. Bring the fishing pole to score some very clean trout in the rushing creeks, pick plums in the trees above, and even hunt for wild pigs in certain areas. Pitch your tent to stay awhile, and pretend you are a primitive human living off of the land in the garden of eden. You might just want to throw in the towel at your old life and live here forever more.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park