Destinations
Best Raglan camping grounds: top New Zealand spots
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Perfect for the adventure-seeking nature lovers amongst us, Raglan, New Zealand is brimming with spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. From its famous black sand beaches to lush Bridal Veil Falls, extinct volcano Mount Karioi, canyoning and caving (with glow worms!) there is so much to see and experience.
The best way to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland? Camping of course! With a wealth of amazing camping grounds available in Raglan to suit every budget, there has never been a better time to hit the open road and experience everything this slice of the North Island has to offer.
Whether you have a long weekend or weeks to spare, our guide to the best Raglan camping grounds in New Zealand ensures you’ll get the most out of your Raglan holiday!
6 best Raglan camping grounds
1. Raglan Holiday Park
61 Marine Parade, Raglan 3225, New Zealand | Powered sites from $24 per night ****
Perfectly positioned on a peninsula in the Raglan Harbour (Whāingaroa) and accessible only via a dedicated road bridge, Raglan Holiday Park is a private oasis just two minutes from the beach.
Enjoy surfing, kayaking, fishing, nature walks, golfing and even test your skills at the skate park from one of the most centrally-located Raglan camping grounds.
With a wide range of facilities available, including laundry, kitchen, games room, hot showers, playground and more, this park really has it all!
2. Lake Ngaroto
65 Bank Road, Te Awamutu 3883, New Zealand | Free
Arguably one of the best free camping spots near Raglan is on Lake Ngaroto. A peat lake, it is unsuitable for swimming but offers great opportunities to watch birdlife and other wildlife while also enjoying some easy trail walks.
An easy 40-minute drive from Raglan and just 45 minutes from the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, this campsite allows for a maximum two-night stay and offers basic facilities, including a flushing toilet. It is important to note that within the Waikato region, free camping is only available to those with fully certified, self-contained campers.
This means they are required to be fitted with a toilet, wastewater tank and rubbish bin. Your vehicle should show the blue self-contained certification sticker on the front windscreen. Failure to adhere to these conditions may lead to a fine from the local council.
Learn more about where to freedom camp in Raglan.
3. Te Kopua Whanau Camp
[86 Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, Raglan 3297, New Zealand](https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU962AU962&biw=2560&bih=1329&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:1&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=ALiCzsbuIsIuUe5Jtd3WdRTxrCJ2Pf30-w:1653352195636&q=Raglan+camping+ground&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=1471683113518587961# rlfi=hd:;si:1471683113518587961;mv:[[-37.7958415,174.86815629999998],[-37.8936835,174.7686091]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1) | $10 per night, per person.
This is a basic campground, but one with a winning location! Te Kopua Whanau Camp (formerly known as Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive Camping) is close to Ngarunui Beach and the perfect spot to watch a West Coast sunset. From this campsite, you can also go kitesurfing, surfing, ocean fishing or stroll to town for a delicious meal at one of the many cafes.
While there are only unpowered sites available, the provision of clean toilet and shower facilities on-site as well as rubbish disposal makes this a great spot to stop and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Booking is not required with check-in and payment managed via a drop-box at the front gate.
4. Ruapuke Motor Camp
[1510 Whaanga Road, Raglan 3296, New Zealand](https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU962AU962&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:1&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=ALiCzsaG7HWMsxDx3R21gnLBhzhFHAlfEg:1653352983498&q=raglan+campgrounds&rflfq=1&num=10&ved=2ahUKEwjc85Pq8_b3AhU6RmwGHeABBzMQtgN6BAglEAY# rlfi=hd:;si:2251933588753684054;mv:[[-37.765390912353574,175.09086396988764],[-38.08333365446429,174.35615327652826],null,[-37.924534119666326,174.72350862320795],12]) | Powered sites $25 per adult, $10 per child under 14 years.
Just under 30 kilometres from Raglan town, less than half an hour from Bridal Veil Falls and five minutes from Ruapuke Scenic Reserve, Ruapuke Motor Camp is ideal for nature lovers. Trek lush forest trails, body surf at nearby Ruapuke Beach or witness the spectacular falls - there is so much to do from this idyllic valley location.
Powered sites are available and the site offers laundry facilities, a communal kitchen and hot showers in spotlessly clean bathrooms. One of the more popular Raglan camping grounds in New Zealand, we recommended booking ahead so you don’t miss out!
5. Pirongia Travellers Accommodation & Cafe
[1050 Franklin Street, Pirongia, Waikato, North Island](https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU962AU962&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:2&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=ALiCzsZ2MN7IFvnVMFGntdPJcCoPL70DiQ:1653354452592&q=campervan+mount+pirongia&rflfq=1&num=10&ved=2ahUKEwjplNam-fb3AhUCR2wGHbnMBasQtgN6BAgsEAY# rlfi=hd:;si:8391208663823212453;mv:[[-37.89573594139264,175.36437201030273],[-38.05459784984557,174.99701666362304]]) | Powered sites $6.50 per adult, $4 for children aged 5-12 years, under 5 years free. **(phone cafe to book) **
If trekking Mount Pirongia, Waikato’s highest peak and an extinct volcano, is on your list of to-dos during your road trip around Waikato, then this spot is a must. With a cafe on site, you’ll have no shortage of delicious meals to fuel your adventures up the mountain summit. With just eight powered sites available, booking ahead is highly recommended.
A scenic 40-minute drive from Raglan, you may also like to take advantage of the horse riding experience available at Karamu Trail Track on the way. If a full hike to the mountain summit isn't quite your thing, you can still experience the unique beauty of this inactive volcano from one of the shorter treks around its base.
Once done, come home to hot showers, a fully equipped laundry block and mountain views on your doorstep.
6. Waingaro Hot Springs
2263 Waingaro Road Waingaro Ngaruawahia 3793, New Zealand | Powered sites from $30 per day, per person.
No road trip around New Zealand would be complete without a relaxing swim in natural hot springs. 25 minutes north of Raglan, Waingaro Hot Springs Caravan Park offers hot springs onsite!
Travelling with kids? This campsite features the country's longest water slide, a hydro-slide and a toddler’s pool, making it a standout amongst Raglan camping grounds in New Zealand’s Waikato region.
If historic walks are something you enjoy, this spot is also just a short drive to trails located on the former Ngaruawahia/Glen Massey railway. Family-friendly, these walks lead to attractive stream cascades and views of the Waikato basin.
Hire a van for your Raglan camping trip
With so many Raglan camping grounds in New Zealand to choose from and sites suited for every budget and activity level, making incredible memories has never been easier or more accessible.
Plus, towns like Hamilton are just a drive away from these campsites, so you can easily arrange campervan hire in Waikato and get exploring! Be on the road to lush green valleys, breathtaking waterfalls and brilliant surf in no time.
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