Destinations
Best camping spots Otago: South Island adventures
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Plan an awesome outdoor adventure using our guide to the 10 best camping spots in Otago.
Whether you’re after a camping spot in the Queenstown-Lakes District, the Central Otago District or near Dunedin City, we’ve got you covered.
Our travel experts have compiled this list based on the campsite’s scenery and facilities, road access and nearby attractions and activities. Plus, we’ve thrown in maps, addresses and prices to help you choose amongst the best camping spots in the Otago region!
10 best camping spots in Otago
1. Moke Lake
Address: Moke Lake Road, Ben Lomond 9371 | Price per night: $15
This scenic campsite beside beautiful Moke Lake is perfect for boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking. There’s also a peaceful 2-hour walking track to nearby Lake Dispute.
Located just 20-minutes west of Queenstown, no bookings are required and the site can be accessed via 4km of gravel road (4WD only in winter). Facilities include tap water, a cooking shelter, drop toilets and a boat ramp.
2. Kinloch Campsite
Address: 876 Kinloch Road, Kinloch 9372, New Zealand | Price per night: $15
Camp on the shores of New Zealand’s longest lake, Lake Wakatipu, at the Kinloch Campsite. This scenic spot is surrounded by mountains and has hiking tracks for all levels of fitness. Try the Caples or Greenstone tramping track before taking a dip in the lake and stargazing at night.
Located 27km from Glenorchy, the site is accessed via a gravel road suitable for all vehicles. This campground is pet-friendly and facilities include drop toilets, paid heated showers, water, a boat ramp and a jetty. There’s also a small restaurant on site that dishes up tasty hot meals.
3. Cameron Flat Campsite
Address: Haast Pass-Makarora Road, Haast 9382 | Price per night: $8
If you love hiking, hunting or fishing, you’re going to love the Cameron Flat Campsite near the beautiful Makarora River. Right across the road is an outstanding walk through native forest and over a swing bridge to the famous Blue Pools.
This campground, 15 minutes drive from Makarora township, is accessed via a sealed road. The facilities are basic and include a drop toilet as well as a cooking shelter with a sink and tap. Bring insect repellent for sandflies. Bookings are required.
Lindis Pass Historic Hotel Campsite
Address: Lindis Valley 9383, New Zealand | Price per night: Free
This freedom camping site sits beside the fascinating historical remains of the Lindis Pass Hotel. Camp on the shores of the Lindis River and relax whilst listening to the sound of cattle and sheep in the background.
Located in Central Otago, the campsite is accessed via a gravel road (may not be suitable for large campervans). Facilities include a cooking shelter, drop toilet and water. Please note that you can’t camp within 20m of the hotel ruins. No booking is required.
5. Tawanui Campsite
Address: Catlins Road, Owaka Valley 9586, New Zealand | Price per night: $8
Set in a massive clearing beside the Catlins River, Tawanui campsite is surrounded by silver beech forest - a backdrop that makes it one of the best camping spots in Otago. Take on the 5-hour Catlins River Track and explore the stunning scenery around Coastal Otago.
Located within Catlins Forest Park, you can access the campsite via a well sign-posted gravel road. The spot is pet-friendly and facilities include flush toilets, picnic tables, sinks, taps and rubbish bins. Bookings are required.
6. Purakaunui Bay
Address: Purakaunui Bay Rd, Otago 9586 | Price per night: $8
Perhaps the most beautiful camping spot in Otago, the Purakaunui Bay campsite is close to cascading falls, a surf beach and Jacks Blowhole. Explore the Catlins Coastal Area and enjoy the easy 20-minute walk to the famous Purakaunui Falls. Watch out for resident sea lions on the beach!
You can access the campsite via a gravel road which is suitable for all sorts of vehicles. The site is pet-friendly and facilities include drop toilets and tap water. Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes. Bookings are required.
7. Twelve Mile Delta
Address: Twelve Mile Delta Rd, Closeburn 9371 | Price per night: $15
The Twelve Mile Delta campsite sits near the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It was made famous as the filming location for the Ithilien Camp in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It’s a great spot for active people that want to walk the Mt Crichton Loop Track or Bob’s Cove Track.
Located just 12km west of Queenstown, this camping spot is easy to access via sealed and gravel roads. Whilst there’s plenty of room at this pet-friendly site, the facilities are basic and only include tap water and a boat ramp.
8. Champagne Gully Freedom Camping
Address: 930 Cromwell-Clyde Road, Waikerikeri 9391 | Price per night: Free
Camp for free at the massive Champagne Gully campground on the edge of the Clutha River. Bring your bike along and ride the Lake Dunstan trail, as you amble through vineyards and learn about the rich local Maori and Colonial history.
Only a 15-minute drive from Cromwell in Central Otago, this camping spot can be accessed via a sealed road suitable for all vehicles. Facilities include drop toilets, recycling units and running water. Please note that this camping spot only allows a one-night maximum stay.
9. Brighton Domain Freedom Camping
Address: 1048 Brighton Road, Brighton, Dunedin 9035 | Price per night: Free
Stay for free at the Brighton Domain campground and enjoy oceanfront views. It’s only a moment's walk to the beach and there is a lush rugby field for you to relax on. Best of all, you are only a 20-minute drive from Dunedin city centre.
No bookings are required but you can only stay for a maximum of 2 nights and must leave by 8.30 am. Facilities at this freedom campsite include flushing toilets, rubbish bins, a dump station and a playground.
Homestead Freedom Campsite
Address: Hawkdun Runs Road, St Bathans 9386 | Price per night: Free
The isolated Homestead Campsite is the ideal base for mountain biking, hunting, fishing and hiking around the Central Otago region. Camp for free, explore the Hawkdun Ranges and venture to the quaint historic town of St Bathans.
This freedom camping spot is accessed via a gravel road but in winter you will need a 4WD due to snow. It is pet-friendly and facilities include a cooking shelter, tap water, firewood and drop toilets.
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