Hawaii is beautiful and Kauai is one of the most breathtaking islands, so who wouldn’t love to camp out on the beach in an RV. Because Kauai isn’t a huge tourist island there are a lot of beautiful parks and beaches to park your RV on without a lot of traffic.
Kauai is known as the
What are the 11 Unforgettable RV Camp Spots on Kauai?
- Kōkeʻe State Park
- Polihale State Park
- Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
- Haena Beach Park
- Anini Beach Park
- Lydgate Campground
- Salt Pond Park
- Hanamaulu Beach Park
- Black Pot Beach Park
- Anahola Beach Park
- Lucy Wright Beach Park
What a better way to visit Hawaii and Kauai then to park on the beach and camp. It is scenic and it offers prime access to some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.
Because Kauai isn’t a very popular tourist island you will find that there aren’t very many people crowding the beaches which is great, but it also means that their campsites are rather rustic. There is only one RV specific campsite on the whole island. All of the other campsites are first come, first serve in whatever you’re camping in.
But because Kauai isn’t used to a lot of tourist most of the camping sites on the island allow RVs but almost all of them have no actual designated RV spots.
That being said, the Hawaiian way is to shaka, pull up your camper, find an open spot, and say Aloha. So come and visit these amazing beaches and campsites, because they are completely to die for.
Kōkeʻe State Park
The first park on our list is Kōkeʻe State Park which has some of the best views to offer on the whole island of Kōkeʻe.
Kōkeʻe State Park is located at the northwestern tip of Kauaʻi island and offers stunning views of the incredible and lush Kalalau Valley at a staggering 4000 feet elevation.
Along with its breathtaking views, this lovely state park offers amazing hiking opportunities as it grants access to 7 different hiking trails.
- Alakai Swamp Trail
- Awaʻawapuhi Trail
- Kawaikoi Stream Trail
- Nuʻalolo Cliffs Trail
- Nuʻalolo Trail
- Pihea Trail
- Poomau Canyon Lookout Trail
These different hiking trails can take you deep into the woodland of Kauai’s rain forests or out around the ridge of Waimea Canyon.
If you are into plants and the beautiful native plants that grow in Hawaii and specifically on Kauai then this campground is perfect for you because it offers prime trails for plant observations.
There are also excellent opportunities to see some of Hawaii’s native animals and birds while staying at Kōkeʻe State Park.
Some other fun activities available at Kōkeʻe State Park is seasonal trout fishing and plum picking. When they are ripe you can go out and handpick your own plums.
For those of you who are more into camping and hunting this state park is the place for you as well. Pig hunting is permitted on public hunting areas around Kōkeʻe State Park.
Basically, all of the amenities at Kōkeʻe State Park are incredible and make for one memorable camping trips. A full list of their amenities includes-
- Camping
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Sightseeing
- Wildlife viewing
- Food concessions
- Picnic pavilion
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
- Trash cans
- Water fountains
- Gift Shop
- Museum
Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park is second on our list because of its stunning locations and amazing amenities. It is one of the most beautiful state parks on Kauai.
The access to this park is an unpaved dirt road that can be covered in sand or flood in heavy rain, so the park suggests that you use 4 wheel drive vehicles to get to and from the beach and state park.
The warm air and calm waters are perfectly inviting for those who choose to camp at Polihale State Park. Plus the views of the Nāpali Coast cliffs are incredible.
For those who want to camp here, picnic tables are provided and a wonderful backdrop of the Kauai dunes stands opposite to the incredible beach views that you will wake to each morning.
Large sandy beaches await you as well as many other amenities that make this camping spot a gold mine. So come camping at Polihale State Park and never forget your incredible trip.
Polihale State Park Amenities-
- Swimming/Tanning at beach
- Camping
- Fishing (Shore fishing only)
- Sightseeing
- Picnic pavilion
- Picnic tables
- Bathrooms
- Showers (outside)
- Trash cans
- Water fountain
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
Many people love the Nāpali Coast because of the stunning cliffs and views of the crashing waves. Known for its special feelings and beauty camping and even hiking at Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park requires a permit.
Imagine walking around and catching views of rushing waterfalls and streams that cut into the narrow valleys of the Nāpali Cliffs.
The sights at Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park are seriously unparalleled and hold a sacred and ancient beauty. Any time spent at Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is 100 percent unforgettable.
Hawaiians once lived and grew taro on the valley bottom and remnants of old and expertly carved stone walls are still visible.
Besides the history and memories found at the majestic Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, there are also a lot of other incentives and amenities that bring people here year after year.
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park Amenities-
- Boat tours
- Bowhunting
- Camping
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Campsites
- Restrooms
There is no drinking water at Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, so all water must be brought in or the water from the stream must be treated before consuming.
Haena Beach Park
Haena Beach Park is the first park on our list that isn’t a state park. And like most campsites on Kauai has no assigned spots just a come and find a spot mentality.
Haena Beach Park is about 38 miles from Lihue and the actual campsite is about a mile from Kee Beach. It is beautiful and offers amazing views morning and night.
There is a huge mountain nestled up against Haena Beach Park that offers stunning views and amazing looks at some of Kauai’s best scenery.
There are a lot of
Haena Beach Park Amenities-
- Showers (outside)
- Picnic tables
- Campground
- Lifeguard (every day from 9 am-5 pm)
- Comfort stations
- Pavilion
- Camping
Anini Beach Park
The next camping destination on our list is one of the most popular beaches in Kauai because of it calm and clear water.
Anini Beach Park was once named Wanini beach but the w fell off the sign and instead of fixing the sign they changed the name to Anini Beach. It has stayed the same ever since.
Anini Beach Park is located on the north shore and has a few different little campsites along its stretch. It along with the rest of our campsites has no designated camping spots.
If you love swimming, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, and paddle boarding then Anini Beach Park is the place for you.
There is no lifeguard on duty so you should never swim alone and always be cautious during high surf, but Anini Beach is known for its safe reef conditions.
There are many reasons to stay at Anini Beach Park and one of them is that it is rarely super populated. Plus it is gorgeous and has great weather conditions.
So come and stay at Anini Beach Park and you won’t soon forget your camping trip to Hawaii as the beautiful night sky and sounds of the waves breaking lull you to sleep.
Anini Beach Park Amenities-
- Camping
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Tanning
- Paddleboarding
- Windsurfing
- Fishing (Shore fishing only)
- Shade trees
- Picnic tables
- Pavilions
- Bathrooms
- Showers (outside)
Lydgate Campground
Lydgate Campground is very popular on Kauai because it is literally the only campsite on the entire island that has assigned stalls.
Because of that it fills up rather quickly so getting a spot in advance is important, and unfortunately, they do check for permits and if you don’t have one you are kicked out.
But the Lydgate Campground is totally worth the stay. It is like staying at a little camping hotel compared to all of the other campsites on Kauai.
You can go hiking around the campsite and it also is located right next to the Kamalani Bridge. The Kamalani Bridge is this awesome playground that is built from bridges and slides and it is amazing.
It is a huge reason that families love to camp at the Lydgate Campground. I’m an adult and I want to go play in that playground.
Another reason that families and people love camping at the Lydgate Campground is that it is right next to the beach that is known as Kitchens.
Camping isn’t allowed all week. The campground is open Thursday- Tuesday and then it closes for maintenance until the next Thursday.
It is such a nice campground and one that you and your family can truly have a blast at. There is a reason it fills up so quickly and comes with such high recommendations.
Lydgate Campground Amenities-
- Individual camping stalls
- Swimming
- Playground
- Pavilion
- Picnic tables
- Showers
- Bathrooms
Salt Pond Park
Salt Pond Park is the beach where the locals go, which can tell you a lot about the beach. If the locals go there that means that the water is good that there are few tourists.
This beach is one of the only beaches without a traditional Hawaiian name. That is because it is named for the traditional Hawaiian salt collecting ponds.
Fun Fact- The salt ponds are only for the use of Native Hawaiians. How cool?!
The beach is protected by a reef that allows the beach to remain nice both during the summer and the winter. Meaning that you can swim and snorkel year round.
This beach is located on the west shore and the salt ponds that give it its name also are protected. These shallow ponds also make great places for little kids to be able to snorkel.
There is a lifeguard on duty at this beach who’s clear water offers for lots of swimming and snorkeling fun. There are some tide pools on the east side of the beach that have a lot of cool marine life to look at.
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Bodyboarding
- Paddleboarding
- Camping
- Sailing
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Pavilions
- Lifeguard
- Picnic tables
Hanamaulu Beach Park
Hanamaulu Beach Park is 3 miles from Lihue and although it is the backdrop for the John Wayne movie Donavan’s Reef it is not always the best water to swim in.
The water at the beach is protected by the large Hanamaulu Bay but can also get pretty murky from runoff that comes from the nearby Hanamaulu river.
That being said this campground is gorgeous! The beach is perfectly shaded with lines of stunning Ironwood trees. It is really something to see.
Plus the location isn’t that far from town and from other beaches so it is actually a rather popular camping spot.
A lot of local residents will come and camp at Hanamaulu Beach Park because of its tranquil beauty and the relaxing vibes it offers.
Hanamaulu Beach Park Amenities-
- Camping
- Shade
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Picnic Tables
Black Pot Beach Park
Black Pot Beach Park along with Salt Pond Park is one of the few beaches without a Hawaiian name. But its name has a pretty awesome history.
The locals used to keep this big black pot at the beach for cooking fish that were meant for celebrations and so it was referred to as Black Pot Beach.
This beach is a huge locals attraction and on the weekends the beach is packed with tents, BBQs, and fires.
There is a really nice grass area just up the beach that has picnic tables and shade so that you can eat lunch and relax with your family.
There is a surf shop where you can rent surfboards, paddle boards, and body boards so that you can have fun in the water.
Black Pot Beach Park Amenities-
- Camping
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Body Boarding
- Picnic tables
- Restaurants
- Pier
- Shops
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Beach fishing
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- BBQ pits
- Drinking fountains
- Covered pavilion
Anahola Beach Park
Anahola Beach Park is another local favorite because it is very versatile and has something fun for everybody in the family.
Many people believe it is the safest beach on Kauai because it is protected by a reef. Plus there are pockets of sand so that the kids can go swimming here as well.
This is one of the few overnight campsites on the eastern side of the island and literally has something for everyone.
The center of the beach is a no boarding area for snorkelers and swimmers. The northern side is meant for surfers while the southern side is for bodyboarders and paddle boarders.
Pole fishing is also very popular at Anahola Beach Park. There are trees at the back of the beach that provide shade as well as plenty of sand for the sunbathers in the family. It is a great beach.
Anahola Beach Park Amenities-
- Camping
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Body Boarding
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Pole fishing
- Bodyboarding
- Scuba diving
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Picnic tables
- BBQ pits
- Lifeguard
- Drinking fountains
- Covered Pavilion
Lucy Wright Beach Park
Lucy Wright Beach Park is not one of the most popular beaches to camp at on Kauai because the ocean water is murky and you can’t really swim in it, but it can be a cool place to stay the night because of the beach itself.
Lucy Wright Beach Park is actually a historic beach that was here when Captain James Cook first landed on the Hawaiian Islands 231 years ago in 1778.
The beach is located right where the mouth of the Waimea river meets the ocean, which is why the ocean water is murky, but also why the beach sand is so cool.
The sand is a mixture of white beach sand, black sand from lava rock, and green sand that comes from a semi-precious gem named olivine.
Olivine originates in the river’s lava bed and flows out to the ocean and to the beach leading to the ocean. It is because of this sand that people come to Lucy Wright Beach Park at all.
People enjoy watching the river water merge with the ocean water while walking and tri-colored sand. So although this beach is not the prettiest or the most popular, it can be fun for a day trip or a night trip for the experience.
Lucy Wright Beach Park Amenities-
- Camping
- Bathrooms
- Showers (outside)
- Stores
- Restaurants
- Power outlets
Related Questions:
How do I get a camping permit on Kauai? You can apply for one through the mail or at one of the five permit locations. Some campsites give out their permits at the campsite.
Where can I rent an RV on Kauai? There are three main places to go to rent an RV on Kauai, but there are more if you can’t find what you want. The three places are Kauai Overlander, Kauai Camper Rental, and Camperventures Kauai.
Hello! What is the name of the beach in the very first photo before rhe descriptions of the beaches? Looks like people are camped very close to the water. Thanks!