Over the warmer summer months camping in Rotorua is an awesome option for accommodation. But, with so many fantastic campsites, you may need a little help choosing where is the best Rotorua camp grounds for you. Rotorua camping puts you in the heart of nature with all the fun right at your front door! Camping is also a great way to save some money for all those amazing activities Rotorua has to offer and a fantastic option for those travelling with families.
Our top 5 Rotorua campgrounds:
- Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
- Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera
- Lake Okareka DOC Campsite
- Waikite Valley Hotpools Campground
- All Seasons Holiday Park
1. Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park – Rotorua Campground
Imagine having a lake at your front door? Well that is the reality at the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park. You can walk out of your tent, camper van or cabin, cross the road and be at the lakes edge. Warm up with a 5.5km loop walk around the lake or get your day started with an early morning dip. With family friendly facilities at the holiday park and a family friendly lake just across the road, it’s a great spot to camp in this beautiful city, especially in the warmer months.
Photo: The Blue Lake top 10 holiday park is one of the best Rotorua camp grounds.
2. Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera
Keen trampers who want to tackle the 5-6 hour Tarawera Trail will be pleased to know this gorgeous Rotorua camp grounds is waiting for them at the end of the trail! Soak your legs in the natural hot springs at Te Rata Bay and watch the sunset over Lake Tarawera. If you don’t fancy a walk to get here, you can book a water taxi or take your own boat. It’s essential to pre book these non-powered tent sites because they’re super popular. Don’t forget to boil the lake water before drinking it, and note that fires aren’t allowed. If you are looking for something a little different, this is the perfect Rotorua camp ground for you to try!
Photo: With its own hot water spring, Hot Water Beach campground is one of our favourites.
3. Lake Okareka DOC Campsite
This one is right on the lake front! It’s a camping dream come true only a 15 minute drive from Rotorua at the edge of Lake Okareka. This one is a DOC camp grounds. The campsite is first in, first served so you don’t need to pre book and the cost per night is no more than $15 per person. Make sure you boil the water from the lake before drinking it and fires are also not allowed at the campsite. Camping doesn’t get any better really – fishing (with a permit) and swimming right at your finger tips!
Photo: You can’t get a camping Rotorua spot closer to the lake than this!
4. Waikite Valley Hotpools Rotorua Campground
Waikitie Valley Hotpools Camping is located in a peaceful spot amongst a beautiful, rural geothermal valley. The highlight of this Rotorua camp grounds is the free access to the hot pool complex in a beautifully landscaped natural environment overlooking the Otamakokore Stream and Waikite Valley. While here you can also enjoy the short walking track to Te Manaroa Spring and see the boiling geothermal spring water bubbling to the earth’s surface. There is a licensed cafe to enjoy a few camping luxuries onsite too.
Photo: Camping and hot pools is a Rotorua must.
5. All Seasons Holiday Park
All Season Holiday Park in Rotorua has something for everyone. Accommodation options at this Rotorua campground include fully self-contained motel units, cabins, and even a 50 bed lodge ideal for larger groups. The fully enclosed heated swimming pool and spa complex is fantastic after a busy day exploring Rotorua. They offer free transfers to and from Rotorua airport and a free campervan dump station depending how you are travelling!
Photo: This amazing pool is a great addition to one of our favourite Rotorua camp grounds.
