Free Dispersed Camping in Hawaii: Where to Actually Go
I've spent the last few seasons exploring Hawaii's dispersed camping scene, and I'm constantly surprised by how many incredible free spots are hidden in plain sight. With 13 dispersed sites scattered across the state, you can camp for free in some truly stunning locations—no reservations, no fees, just you and nature.
The beauty of Hawaii is the variety. You've got everything from low-elevation spots around 10ft to high alpine sites pushing 9200ft. Most sites require you to pack in all your water, and many require some backcountry experience.
The Best Spots I've Found
After camping at dozens of these locations, here are my top picks. Each one offers something unique, and I've included the exact coordinates so you can find them on your GPS or mapping app.
1. Big Island – Mauna Kea Access Pullouts
High-elevation pullouts near Mauna Kea access road are sometimes used for overnight stops where permitted. Cold nights; verify legality and closures.
Coordinates: 19.8220°N, 155.4680°W | Elevation: 9,200ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
2. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes – Kulanaʻāumoe Campground
Remote tent camping at Kulanaʻāumoe Campground on Mauna Loa Road. Simple sites with minimal services; bring water and supplies.
Coordinates: 19.5580°N, 155.4020°W | Elevation: 6,500ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
3. Oʻahu – Mālaekahana State Recreation Area Camp
Tent camping at Mālaekahana near Kahuku. Beach access and designated camping areas; reserve/permit rules may apply.
Coordinates: 21.6920°N, 157.9500°W | Elevation: 10ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
4. Haleakalā – Kīpahulu Campground
Coastal rainforest tent camping near Kīpahulu. Humid conditions and limited facilities; bring bug protection and water.
Coordinates: 20.6550°N, 156.0440°W | Elevation: 60ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
5. Kaʻū Desert Access Tracks
"Free dispersed camping around Hawaii Volcanoes vicinity Hawaii. Sparse desert lava flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Kaʻū Desert. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Fragile crust; closures Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 19.2800°N, 155.4600°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
6. Kauaʻi – Polihale State Park Beach Camp
Beachfront tent camping at Polihale with big sunsets and dunes. Remote access; soft sand and wind common. Pack out waste.
Coordinates: 22.0720°N, 159.7930°W | Elevation: 10ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
7. Oʻahu – Kahuku Forest Reserve Primitive
Primitive tent camping in Kahuku Forest Reserve (when open/allowed). High rainfall; muddy access; check restrictions and permits.
Coordinates: 21.6920°N, 157.9050°W | Elevation: 500ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
8. Haleakalā – Hosmer Grove Campground
Tent camping at Hosmer Grove inside Haleakalā National Park. High elevation, cool nights, and quick access to summit area. Primitive conditions; no hookups.
Coordinates: 20.7600°N, 156.2530°W | Elevation: 7,000ft
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Spring is beautiful here with wildflowers, but roads can be muddy. Summer and fall are more reliable.
Cell service: Pretty much nonexistent. Download offline maps before you go.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Forget the generic packing lists. Here's what actually matters for Hawaii dispersed camping, based on real experience:
Water is your top priority. Most of these sites have no water. Seriously. I usually pack 5-gallon jugs—one per person for a weekend trip. It's heavy but non-negotiable.
Vehicle matters more than you think. Most sites are accessible with a regular SUV, but check recent trip reports. Roads change after rain and snow.
It gets cold at elevation. Even in summer, nights at 9200ft can drop below freezing. I learned this the hard way. Bring a sleeping bag rated 20°F below what the forecast says. Those forecasts are often wrong.
Navigation tools. Cell service is terrible or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. I use Gaia GPS with downloaded offline maps. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also helpful—grab them from the ranger station or download PDFs before you leave.
Finding These Spots
All the sites I've listed include exact GPS coordinates. Plug them into your navigation app. But here's the thing—these are general areas, not specific campsites. You'll need to find your actual spot within that area. Look for established pullouts and fire rings. Don't create new sites.
Recent trip reports are gold. Check forums, AllTrails, iOverlander. Conditions change constantly. A road that was fine in August might be impassable in June with snowmelt mud.
